Scientists have already shown that bacteria can transfer DNA to the genome of an animal. The researchers found evidence that lateral gene transfer is possible from bacteria to the cells of the human body, known as human somatic cells.

Bacteria can produce foreign proteins from introduced genes, using their own gene expression machinery. Producing proteins in bacteria has greatly simplified the study of how proteins work. It has also made it possible to make large amounts of medically important proteins, such as insulin, within bacteria.

Short story: Human cells are eukaryotic which means they are more complicated, bacteria cells are prokaryotic which means they are simpler and viruses are not even cells at all, they are just genetic material in a protein shell. Not all bacteria make us sick, most actually help us e.g. in our gut.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fewer than one percent of bacteria can actually make you sick. Infectious bacteria (those that do make you sick) slip into your body and live among your healthy cells. Many emit chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue.

Viruses may cause disease but some can fall ill themselves. For the first time, a group of scientists have discovered a virus that targets other viruses.

Interestingly, plants have an immune system too. In plants and insects, a very effective way to combat a virus is through a process known as gene silencing. This mechanism treats a virus as a gene that is being expressed out of control. Thus, plant cells turn it off by dicing the viral RNA into small pieces.

A new report suggests they could ‘scream’ when being cut. Researchers from Tel Aviv University, Israel, have suggested plants stressed by drought or physical damage may emit high-frequency distress noises. Researchers said: “Stressed plants show altered phenotypes, including changes in colour, smell, and shape.

Summary: Biologists have found that plants get competitive when forced to share their plot with strangers of the same species, but they’re accommodating when potted with their siblings. It’s the first time the ability to recognize and favor kin has been revealed in plants.

Hugging a tree increases levels of hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding. When hugging a tree, the hormones serotonin and dopamine make you feel happier. It is important to use this “free” space of a forest we were given by nature to holistically heal ourselves.

According to the bible only humans have souls, therefore trees do not have souls. Trees and humans relate to each other because we keep each other alive, we help trees . . . [and] they help us with materials and breathing.