Whenever I can't understand something in medicine I tend to go back to primitive physiology because the diversity we have and the biochemistry we have has been decided by what got us through from formation of planet

Up to the creation of Homo sapiens. Intracellular signalling has become more and more complex but basic pathways remain fundamentally the same, they just adapt to the environment - be it oxygen, protons, temperature.

Something pretty important I've started to realise is the utter reliance we have on our micro flora and fauna. They of course cover every surface in the world.

But take the Sea vent worm, the Pompeii worm. A characteristic of sea vent creatures is fluctuating temperatures, and metabolism that is dependent on or can flip between sulphur (plus or minus oxygen)

The sea worm needs oxygen and has Hb in its gills. It's head is in cool water at 22 degrees and it's tail over 100 degrees. It puts its organs near its head. It secretes a sugary mucus to keep the bacteria lining its back happy.

They use sulphur. They create a protective cape. So many other symbiotic relationships in sea vents. I will make a thread one time. Thing is, it is no surprise we reply on bacteria for certain materials like vitamin K, and even indole hormones.

We have an archetypal bacteria in every cell - the mitochondria. I don't think medicine has been particularly kind to evidence about microbiomes but they're essential to life. They're certainly the only reason deep sea vent life has become larger and more complex.

Also means that our toll like receptors are like those found in fish gills, also means some incredible antibiotics are to be found in creatures down there. Biodiversity is a must. Nature comes up with solutions, and hackable pathways when you look for them.