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GERM WARS: IMMUNE SYSTEM STRIKES BACK

First raiders arrive.

Virus particles swarm into attack.


In science fiction, enemy invaders are usually repelled by armed combatants. They are kept out and there is little inner resistance. This may not be the situation with coronavirus attacks. COVID-19 virus particles try to invade human bodies but are opposed by immune systems armed with killer T cells, phagocytes and lymphocytes. 4200 infections of 6612 cases in Australia have recovered, with 72 deaths, Presumably, the other 2340 cases are being treated or possibly quarantined. Many of the recoveries would be attributable to immune systems that have successfully fought off viral pathogens, with or without medical treatment. Bechamp (1806-1908) was the first to theorize strengthening of immune responses with diet, hygiene, fresh air and exercise. Assiduous attention to these could be as important to flattening the curve as have been social restrictions and medical treatments.
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USE IT AND LOSE IT?

USE IT AND LOSE IT?

Some species heartbeat rate averages and lifespans are shown in the table below.

SPECIES HEARTBEAT RATE

Beats per minute

LIFESPAN

Years

HEARTBEATS

during lifespan x109

Hummingbird 1200 3.5 2.2
Human 60 70 2.2
African elephant 30 70 1.1
Bowhead whale 200 10 1.1

In his book: Scale, Geoffrey West hypothesises that animals live for about 1.2 billion heartbeats, whatever their size, ranging from hamsters to whales. Is there an evolutionary process, or any other process, that could explain this similarity? Could heartbeat conservation cause longevity? Please comment here:

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