Engineered Avian Flu Could Kill Half the World’s Population

OK. Today’s happy thought.

Our species will, ultimately, just take care of ridding the planet of itself, I suspect. The insects and the cockroaches will probably in all good conscience, and without shedding a tear at our demise, inherit the planet.

This isn’t a movie. It’s not a classic Science Fiction book. This is the real story of a scientist who created a virus with the power to litter the Earth with billions of dead bodies. OK, now breathe. Or maybe don’t—the virus is airborne.

In his Netherlands laboratory, virologist Ron Fouchier was experimenting with the avian flu virus to see how it could become even more virulent. (Red flag.) His research involved spreading it throughout a population of ferrets, and he noticed that as the virus reproduced, it adapted to spread even faster. (RED FLAG.) Not worried about ferret flu? Previous research has shown that any strains of influenza that can pass between ferrets can also pass between humans. (RED FLAAAAAAAAAG.) Ten generations later, his efforts had created an airborne strain with the power could kill half the human population.

Engineered Avian Flu Could Kill Half the World’s Humans

And a Happy Monday to all.

I knew if I waited long enough something more frightening than the current crop of GOP candidates for that party’s nomination would come along.

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Author: Ron