Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Busbum Loc: 85367

They study these things until the grant money runs out, then wait awhile and get new grants to further the studies, that's the reason they continue, it's all about the money!!!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Two remaining samples of the Smallpox virus exist (as far as we know) - in a virology lab in Russia and at the CDC in the US. As to why: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2019/10/why-do-we-store-samples-of-eradicated-diseases/

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Hmmm.

awesome14 Loc: UK

I think it would be great if humans began colonizing the Universe! I believe in the human spirit to overcome all obstacles! In fact, earth will not be inhabitable until time runs out, which is theoretically 'never'!

So, either we cease to exist at some point, or we move outward in anticipation. I mean, 4 billion years can fly by just like 'that'! And then the sun explodes!

There's a book in which an advanced race builds a colassal computer to answer the question, "Life, The Universe and Everything!" The computer reports it will require 10 million years to run the program! After 10 million years, the philosophers ask what the answer is. The computer says, "42"!

So they make another computer the size of a planet. As it's program they convince the overabundance of marketing managers and hair dressers that their own planet is going to explode! Since marketing managers and hair dressers are the most important people to any society, they would be the first ones transported to the new planet!

The new planet is earth; and all mankind is descended from marketing managers and hair dressers! The collective intrlligence of humanity is calculating the answer to, "Life, The Universe and Everything!"

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Another piece of classic Sci Fi has the computer pronouncing (after the sun goes supernova and all life on earth is extinguished): “let there be light”

anotherview Loc: California

My post goes to your comment.

From I gather, the medical scientists preserve the viruses anticipating that future technological methods may extract valuable info from these samples.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Canonuser Loc: UK and South Africa

In the 70’s in Birmingham U.K. despite great security, a smallpox virus escaped from a university lab and infected a woman in an office above. The woman sadly died, thus showing the great dangers of this virus.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Viruses such as smallpox, which has been eradicated from the planet are kept frozen in liquid nitrogen in various laboratories. That is so that if it does return, vaccines can be produced. Why would it return? Most likely because another country has introduced it as a biological weapon. Undoubtedly, we have weaponized smallpox and have weapon available "just in case".

Many diseases have animal hosts as well as humans and will never be eradicated. Polio is one which does not. If enough people on the planet get vaccinated, this disease will disappear except in certain laboratories. We have almost eradicated polio, but snags in the world-wide program were hit when Islamists started spreading antivax misinformation about vaccinations from the west being used to harm Muslims.

And this misinformation developed some credence when vaccine workers in Pakistan saved the used syringes for DNA testing to show that a specific compound had children related to Osama bin Laden. This was vital in helping the CIA find bin Laden, but this set the polio vaccination program back a great deal.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Municipal water treatment was part of our business. Our communities have either separate sewer and stormwater networks or combination networks. These waters are treated and expelled into the rivers which, in our case, merged with the Mississippi. However, when the rains bring floods, the sewers and treatment plants become overwhelmed and raw sewage goes into the rivers. Water is taken from the Mississippi and treated and used as municipal potable water (drinking water). The river water is staged in settling ponds where the solids collect on the bottom (they use a Bobcat to clean the settled out sludge). It goes from mud-pie brown water to clear. Then filtered and treated to kill bacteria. Viruses are different. Chemicals and medications expelled in human waste that are in solution that pass through filtration along with water are far more difficult to remove. So...my advice is to drink vodka for at least it has been distilled..!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Absolutely! It’s not accidental that for centuries before modern water distribution networks, the population preferred alcohol - not only maybe more pleasant, but safer. Seems reasonable to me.

srg

I read in Playboy Magazine, many decades ago, that aliens are indeed watching us. Why? because they lack emotions and are thus fascinated by them. However, the more mature aliens look down on the youngsters for indulging in this pastime. They consider it a waste of time and only providers similar to Fox carry our stories. It's a lowbrow pastime activity for the cultured alien.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Read Preston’s The Demon In The Freezer, or The Hot House. When the prospect of eradicating smallpox was discussed many of the scientists believed it was unethical to intentionally cause an extinction. The US had (has) a small amount that is carefully preserved. The former Soviet Union had 55 gallon drums that have disappeared, many believe it went south. The books are chilling history.

rcarol

Do you mean stuff like COVID hiding in labs?