Nearly all bolts have a preload; this tends to eliminate nuts from vibrating loose. Loads are transferred through bolt shear. Slip critical bolts are something else. The require an adequate surface that promotes friction between the faying surfaces. They then require on an additional clamping effort to provide a force of friction between the two surfaces. The latter method does not rely on the shear capacity of the bolt.
Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik