Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Most hyperthermophilic archaea die well below many bacterial sporulation temperatures already. Additionally, most hyperthermophilic organisms can't live at body temperature, as that's too low, let alone reproduce AND fight off a host immune system. Prions are a special case and not particularly virulent because they aren't genetically tractable.


When you look at the bacteria that generate spores, the only population that is usually affected is neonates; which is why it's advised not to give honey to anyone under the age of 1-2. For spore forming bacteria, they're not prevalent in the environment and their transmission is usually limited.


But prions are a bit like ice-nine in that they can cause other proteins to become prions.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: