The Evolution of Nose Shape in Humans and its Favorable Influence on Transmission of Respiratory Viruses

In the context of respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), SARS-CoV-2,and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which have caused pandemics such as theCOVID-19 pandemic, numerous preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studieshave been conducted to understand the transmission mode of these respiratory virusesamong the potential human population. However, there is a gap in understanding theevolutionary pattern of human nose shape and transmission of respiratory virusessuch as influenza (flu), SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) betweenthe infected and potentially exposed individuals. There is a clear understating thatboth viruses and humans keep evolving to match the environmental landscape fortheir survival. Although direct clinical studies connecting nose shape to virus transmissionare lacking, the paper proposes that human nose evolution may have indirectlycontributed to reduced transmission of respiratory diseases due to evolved physicaland mechanical dynamics of nose shape. The transmission of respiratory viruses suchas influenza (flu), SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is discussed interms of the properties of aerodynamics of exhaled air and respiratory droplet size. Inthis study, the authors present biophysical, molecular, and clinical explanations tosupport the observations that the evolved shape of the nose in humans could contributeto reduced transmission of respiratory viruses such as flu, SARS-CoV-2, andRSV.