Some of the smallest organisms on the planet; yet, we live in fear of them. Bacteria, viruses and yeast, labeling them aggressive, resistant and even ‘super bugs’; so, what’s really going on?
A fascinating aspect to our existence is change; some people crave it while others loathe it … as if we actually have the ability to control it. A side from the fact that change is the only constant, it also happens to be the nature of survival.
A good example of this is with the epigenome and its ability to adapt according to systemic need, as stated by Daniel Zilberman in Genome Biology. Now, it’s important to point out that every living organism has an epigenome which is more commonly referred to as the methylation pathway; although, recognized as transposable elements (TE’s) in the scientific community.
What? ‘Transposable elements’?
They were first discovered in maize by Dr. Barbara McClintock in the 1940’s which, although revolutionary, her work was essentially resisted by most of the scientific community for at least 40 years. Nevertheless, these TE’s are small segments of the DNA with a, yet to be fully understood, ability to relocate (transpose) along the genome. Although these elements continue to puzzle science, there is without question, an acknowledged life force influencing the actions of nature. In what way this energy modifies and alters genetic activity continues to be a mystery; however, there is no denying this level of natural phenomena. The challenge we face as a species is accepting the idea that ‘life’ does not require a higher brain in order to move forward. On the contrary, our human brain is an actual result of adaptation, not the other way around.
In some instances such as reproduction, these elements (TE’s) simply generate a spontaneous change that has absolutely nothing to do with human influence, which has been going on since the beginning of time. Hence the physical differences between siblings, unless identical twins and even then, there are a few variabilities. At the same time, other genetic modifications occur due to chemical reactions as they signal danger or potential injury to the system.
An example of this type of phenomenon is peroxynitrite, a free radical produced when changes to nitric oxide synthase take place. Since when are free radicals beneficial? Well, according to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, peroxynitrite protects ‘us’ against a number of invading pathogens until the threat of infection passes. Believe it or not, the body is wired to deactivate the peroxynitrite and return to producing viable nitric oxide. However, along with pathogens, the body also uses peroxynitrite for several oxidative processes which are then modulated by endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. Said another way, the human body, along with every living organism, has the ability to activate as well as deactivate inflammatory reactions depending on the needs of the system. This is the case with all forms of oxidative stress.
Undeniably, this level of intelligence is difficult to conceive; yet, it is the ‘nature’ of nature … adaptation for the sake of moving forward … otherwise known as flow … without judgment or fear of failure.
Beyond the esoteric, energy cannot be stopped or contained; it is simply what moves all of nature. Is it the same thing as the ‘dark energy’ described in the cosmos? There is no telling; yet, it does act in very similar ways and it is why life perseveres .. without assistance, resistance, or control
This natural orchestration is, on some level, terrifying; otherwise man wouldn’t feel the need to take the reigns of control. That’s right, we act as if we have the ability to outthink the rest of nature. While we do possess the intelligence to calculate and predict certain activities, there is the irrefutable impetus underscoring the flow of nature which eliminates the chance of 100% accuracy or permanence. This is why medications only provide short term relief or, for that matter, don’t work at all. The same can be said for any of the other 45 million chemicals currently being consumed around the planet.
Keep in mind, besides the unquestionable energy sourcing all of nature, many chemicals are signaling molecules, activating change. As we attempt to stop certain things from happening, energy is unstoppable; hence, the adaptation of bacteria. Even though our goal is to permanently stop and / or eliminate them, we’re failing. In fact, between our disbelief in the ability of nature to protect (the human body in this case) and our need to control, we’ve done nothing more than enhance their abilities while disabling ours.
