Ask Dr. Universe

Dear Dr. Universe: How do viruses affect animals? – Gianni, 10, Cayman Islands

Dear Gianni,

Our planet is home to more than seven million amazing animal species.

While we have our differences, we also have something in common: We are all made up of a bunch of cells.

My friend Jeb Owen told me all about it. He’s a scientist at Washington State University who is really curious about how insects eat blood and interact with animal hosts. He’s even been called a disease detective, tracking down viruses transmitted by insects.

We can think of animal cells as water balloons, Owen said. Of course, cel...