▲ Jared Diamond and his book

In the book "Gun, Germs, and Steel" Jared Diamond mentioned that human beings are highly-developed to fight against illness. People have been fighting against germs and viruses for a long time to extend lives. Nowadays, almost all humans live more than a century, and they have no fear of the Black Death.

▲ Medicines (This image is not related to the article)

The history of pharmaceuticals is a very longstanding one. This even existed before humans. People from ancient found out that they can heal their wounds with some leaves or succulent roots, and by observing animal's behaviors. This has been developed over time from Sumerian clay or papyrus of Egyptians. Finally, humans are even able to kill germs or control their illness themselves.

▲ Viruses (This image is not related to the article)

However, confronting SARS-CoV-2, scientists found out the fact that they have to develop their knowledge about germs; especially viruses. Of course, there were amazing triumphs like analgesics. It can eliminate pains by having some hormones or tranquilizers. Also, we can win germs by simply taking antibiotics. However, we can fight against viruses through our antibodies which is a protective protein. So, it means we need to kill not only pains but also innumerable viruses. We have to think about new-generation medicine which can cut off the virus infections. It is time to focus on how viruses work and try to kill them because not all the time antibiotics can kill viruses. It is because taking antibiotics improperly can increase the chance of developing medicine-resistant bacteria.

Humanity has to develop their knowledge about viruses. This is the time to think about new-generation medicines which can help us to win against viruses. Studying viruses will be our greatest blue ocean in the future.

May 31th, 2020.

By Lee Hyun-seo