Michael Crichton was an author who wrote the book The Andromeda Strain. The premise is that a space rock hits a central coastal town in California. It carries a

Question

Michael Crichton was an author who wrote the book The Andromeda Strain. The premise is that a space rock hits a central coastal town in California. It carries a virus from space that no one has ever been exposed to. Everyone dies except for a 6-month old baby who suffers from colic and a homeless man who is an alcoholic. Why do these two individuals survive while everyone else  dies.  Explain the mechanisms that allow them to survive. Why are these mechanisms different?

Answer 1

Hi Katriec,

 

Typically, a viral infection spreads, becomes severe to lethal when virus multiplies. 

 

Some virus mutate and lose their virulence (ability to be infectious) as they multiply.

 

The two survivors have abnormal physiology: one is alcoholic and higher blood alcohol level alters the pH and that does not allow virus to multiply! Alcoholic survives.

 

Colic baby has acidic pH in stomach or if the baby is taking medication to prevent acidity and then it could be alkaline pH. That might not be conducive to viral replication and propagation of infection. Virus might have lost its virulence when it tried to replicate and survive in sub-optimal environment. The outcome: baby survives. 

 

I have not read the novel so I cannot comment on real life scenario in this science fiction: even science fiction is based on certain scientific facts. I have tried to explain and hope you will be able to find relevant experimental evidence from the text.

 

Please post again if you need further help.

 

Best,

Answer 2

This is one of my all time favorite novels! I love how it works like a mystery, with solutions presented along the way up through the end. 

   What is your best estimate so far of the answer M. Crichton offers in his book? Step 1 is to summarize the specific solution he provides; Step 2 could be to evaluate whether his solution is believable, (plausible, pathophysiologically possible). 

   Key Question here is: "Did I read and understand the novel?" "Did I read and understand what I am learning IN CLASS about MECHANISMS of survival?" "Can I explain in my own words how the old man and little baby DIFFER in their survival mechanisms?" 

   What a fun opportunity you have to connect science fiction and science! I wish I had been given such a question when I was in college.