Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: phalanx1709 on 17/01/2006 11:01:13

Title: Prions and BSE
Post by: phalanx1709 on 17/01/2006 11:01:13

I know that you guys in Great Brittain are pretty familiar, but I've been studying these things lately and I think that it would be interesting if you discussed how they are non-living particles, molecules, that are demonstrating phenotypes. What do you guys think of prions in general? They kind of freak me out, actually. I think that if there were an outbreak of BSE, by some contamination through a slaughterhouse or something, there is the potential for a lot of health problems. I did work in my University's slaughterhouse for about 7 months and witnessed the inspections for Spongioform Encephalopathies. It's good stuff. Anyways, have a nice evening,



The Dude

Title: Re: Prions and BSE
Post by: ROBERT on 18/01/2006 15:34:11

This "Lancet" report alleges BSE could have been transmitted like Kuru (human cannibalism).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4201072.stm

"Kuru: The Dynamics of a Prion Disease":-
http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/bindon/ant570/Papers/McGrath/McGrath.htm