#perplexed-geneticist

[phyrestartr]

Happy Place (HOUND) (Miguel x M!Reader)

Geneticist!Miguel x Guard!Reader Part 3 of HOUND | w/c 3.8k

#NSFW, zombie AU, apocalypse AU, mentions of exploitation and abuse, body horror, gore, immoral research and experiments, power imbalance, reader is a criminal, miguel is a scientist, dark themes, reader is morally grey, bottom!miguel, top!reader, hurt and comfort, it's fluffy in the end, bussy loading lmao

Note: Genuinely had a really fun time writing this!! Was not really planned, but I cannot resist the idea of reader being a big softie towards people he kind of gives a shit about :sob: some angst, some miscommunication, and some good ol' FUCKIN'. Hope you like it! I have an idea for another part, but idk when/if I write it u-u we shall see.

--

You started behaving differently around him. Miguel rationalized it was just because of the sex–you’d suddenly found a new resource in your “owner,” and so started looking to him to find it, to get a piece of something you’d been without for a long, long time. 

But primal instincts suggested something else; you didn’t just look at him like a fuck doll, you looked at him with soft eyes, slow blinks, and gentle patience. Normally, in those hellish meetings you were dragged to, you would stare straight ahead, listening to everything, but not giving away thoughts or opinions. And now?

Whenever Miguel glanced your way, he found you watching him, eyes half-lidded and lovey. The scientist forced himself to look away. He rubbed his mouth, trying to pet away the embarrassment (and will away any uncouth thoughts). Miguel liked the change, of course, but it had to be investigated. 

He brought you to Lyla to get some tests done. She was all too happy to see you, calling you a “good dog” and her “best boy” to which you merely huffed and smirked smugly because, yeah, you knew you were the best mutant puppy they had. 

“So? To what do I owe the honour of seeing my favourite guy?” Lyla asked as she reached up to fluff up your hair. You bowed your head like a dire wolf leaning in to let a chihuahua preen. 

Miguel crossed his arms, equally enamored with your gentility as he was perplexed by it. “He’s different. Less strict and serious, more…” Miguel pursed his lips when a faint grunt of approval boomed in your chest as Lyla scritched a particularly good spot. “That. This. Whatever this is.” 

“Awe, come on, he’s just a big puppy. That’s what we made them to be, right? Not a big deal.” But Miguel didn’t buy it. Still, he knew Lyla wouldn’t so easily dismiss his claims, either. “Anything change with you, big guy?”

“Sex,” You answered.

Miguel rubbed his face with a groan. “I–you–”

“Wow, getting in the freak seat, huh, Miguel?” Lyla teased. “Sex puts anyone in a good mood.”

“This isn’t just a good mood. It’s a complete 180.” His hand dropped from his face to gesture towards the teddy bear. “Look at him. He doesn’t do this. What if it becomes a problem?”

“Actually, his cortisol levels’ve been down since he got back to watching you,” Lyla argued, suddenly a tinge more serious. She glanced your way, and her expression shifted just the slightest bit before returning to Miguel. “Really don’t think it’s a big deal.”

“You don’t think?” 

“Pal, buddy, come on–”

“Please, just–just run tests. Just check.” Echoes of snarling mouths rippled to the forefront of his mind. His palms began to sweat. “I need you to check.” 

She must have understood.

Lyla agreed, and assigned Miguel with a temporary HOUND escort. While it was humiliating to need a babysitter around the clock, Miguel couldn’t go without one–every blind corner, every door sitting sealed sent his heart into a panic, made him want to curl into himself and disappear. Having a superhuman by his side was the only thing that gave him some sense of comfort. 

Miguel paused in the doorway and looked over his shoulder. He glimpsed your back turned to him as Lyla dutifully prepared for the examination. 

“When do I get him back?” Miguel asked, like he didn’t just demand Lyla take him. 

The woman in question shrugged. “Eh. Dunno. Shouldn’t be more than an hour. Probably less than that. If there’s a problem, I’ll keep him longer.” 

Oh. Miguel didn’t like that. 

–

You came back about an hour later, tagging out your substitute and finally, finally, taking up your spot by the door. Miguel’s shoulders relaxed with the buzzing in his mind. Things were okay again. 

“So?” Miguel asked, pulling himself up from his desk to saunter towards you. “Anything?”

You glanced his way with a familiar, stony set to your stare. “Not much.”

“Really.” He could tell you’d snapped out of whatever lovey dovey daze you’d gotten stuck in, though. Your body wasn’t so open anymore, what with your arms crossed and eyes simmered down into burnt-out coal. “You expect me to believe that?”

You didn’t answer. But your silence said enough. 

–

Things went back to normal. You remained distant and far off, but attentive and responsive to Miguel’s needs and wants; you stood closer to him if his stress peaked, you never left his line of sight, you fucked him if he beckoned you to the bed. You reset back into the dog you used to be.

Miguel didn’t like it. He’d taken you to Lyla to see if something was wrong with you, if you were going to break and snap, turning into the thing that’d tried to kill the both of you. He didn’t want you to reset. He didn’t want you pulling away.

–

The undead were slowing down. Another winter had hit, and it hit hard, knocking out the city’s electricity and tearing down power lines. But it’d frozen the dead, rendered their bodies useless and slow in the frigid streets of New York. 

It made capturing specimens easier and faster for the HOUNDs, just as it made extermination easier for the military as they scrambled to secure a quadrant of the city before winter passed into spring. All reports suggested the reclamation efforts were going well with few accidents and even less resistance from each point of interest hit. The amount of hideaways and survivor camps were astonishing as well, all tucked away into the tops of skyscrapers or underground in the darkness of parking lots. Civilians were truly incredible. 

But the HOUNDs were working double time, hardly having ample opportunity to shut their eyes before being requested again and again and again–there was always a building that needed to be cleared, a squadron that needed to be found, civilian colonies that needed to be relocated, and your sort was best suited for it all. 

Thankfully for you, retrieval efforts took a brief pause after a 99% clearance was announced, and the military began construction for official sector lockdown. Finally, there would be a safe space for the public to exist in, sealed off from the rest of the decaying, hungry world. 

And you would get a break. A chance to let the frostbite heal, to get shot up with painkillers, and bask in the synthetic warmth of Alchemax. Or, they’d kill you and let you rest forever if your test results came back as troublesome or unpromising. God, you hoped you were still promising. 

You’d done your best, shoved away the shreds of affection you felt for your keeper to maintain focus and keep worried eyes away from you. Your mind was clear. You felt fine. You really did. But they were human, and they were scared of what they created (what else is new), even though they depended on you and your ilk so heavily for safety, and for the most dangerous of missions. 

The sort of missions that had some of your kind put down after abnormalities, consistent with the incident several months ago, were detected in their DNA. The sort of missions that gave some of your kind the chance to make a run for it out in the field, daring the outside world in favour of living as a slave to Alchemax. You could understand it. You could sympathize, even; freedom was a beautiful idea, but with the world in such a state, the confines of your prison promised more freedom than the wildlands of the old world. 

Idiots. Every single one of them. 

The truck jostled you back to consciousness. The pounding in your head worsened, the pressure in your sinuses amplified, and your will to go on slowly withered away. But, thank whatever was left of God, you were almost back to Alchemax. Almost home. 

You wished you could collapse into Miguel’s bed beside him and sleep it all off, but that uncomfortable panic your soft side threw him into wasn’t acceptable. You didn’t understand it, but you weren’t going to fight it. There wasn’t any point. 

–

Miguel awoke to you standing by his door, arms crossed, back against the wall, and head bowed as you quietly snoozed. Normally, you didn't sleep on the job. Normally, you didn't look like shit either, though; you had a mask of sorts covering the bottom half of your face, probably one equipped with an air purifier to keep illness away from the rest of the building, and your skin lost its natural light to it, accentuating the deep crescents of shadows under your eyes.

He needs rest. That was the first thought in his mind, and the one that got him up and out of bed to get you. He expected a fight, honestly, but you were easily guided to where Miguel led you in your hardly-conscious state. 

“‘M fine,” you grumbled, brows furrowing and weak hands lamely trying to free yourself from Miguel's touch. 

“You need to lay down.” And somehow, he made it happen. Miguel got you in the bed and pulled off your boots before settling back down himself. It was strange, he realized, how he felt safe with you simply sleeping beside him, and sharing your warmth with him. Maybe he didn't need you to stand guard and sacrifice sleep for his sake anymore. 

–

Miguel didn't know when he'd fallen asleep, but waking up pressed into the warmth of your too-big frame was a welcome surprise. Your limbs were tangled all around him, your legs threading through his, your arms draped around him, your nose pressed into his mess of chestnut hair while deep, rumbly purrs rolled against his back. Your claws were out, too, every now and again gently kneading against his chest and stomach when happy dreams danced through your mind. 

It was when you let out a grumpy growl that Miguel smiled. He couldn’t stop himself from trying to carefully, slowly, turn in your arms, avoiding getting nicked and waking you up just to catch a glimpse of your sleeping face. Miguel settled back in, feeling you adjust and watching your brows furrow the slightest bit while you unknowingly made accommodations for him. 

“What’re you dreaming about, huh?” Miguel murmured when your expression slackened again and the drone of purring resumed. He reached towards your face carefully, running his thumb against the mess of scars intersecting with your bum eye; you never let him touch your face, always shying away or wincing in a recoil whenever he so tried. He never knew if he hurt you, or if you didn’t want to be reminded. It’s not like he ever knew what was going on in your head, anyway. 

Maybe I should. A thought that plagued him far too often. As far as he knew, the others didn’t bond too well with their guards, at least not to this level. But maybe they should have taken the time to. Maybe they should have matched you based on personality compatibility, or something similar to make sure you’d get along, to ensure nothing like that abomination could have happened in the first place. Maybe then they’d care about the HOUND division more. Maybe then you wouldn’t be seen as expendable. 

Your good eye opened when Miguel’s thumb dipped down into the scar resting flush against the bone of your damaged eye socket. You recoiled with a wince and sat up in a hurry, looking around the room in confusion and running a hand through your hair. 

“What the fuck,” you grumbled, voice hoarse. You coughed into your arm, but the mask caught it for you “Didn’t mean to–”

“I made you lay down,” Miguel said, firm. 

You looked at him, confused for a moment before relaxing into your plain, uncaring state. You rolled your shoulders a few times before reaching for the hem of your shirt and pulling it up bit by bit; Miguel was almost too distraught by the bandages and marks marring your body for him to realize what you thought he wanted. 

“Wh–hey, no, no.” He sat up and stopped you, grabbing your arm to give you pause. “Just–stop. Relax.” 

“You’re giving me mixed signals.” Your brows furrowed. “Don’t like me lookin’ at you, don’t want me getting too comfortable–”

Miguel’s gut twisted. “I didn’t know if something was wrong–”

“You that scared of me?”

“I’m not–”

“Then what is it.” 

Miguel didn’t have the words. He didn’t know. He couldn’t straighten out his thoughts enough to give you a succinct, reasonable answer that’d make sense and cover everything. He didn’t know what he was thinking or feeling during those blurred days of the apocalypse. 

“I don’t know.” Miguel stared hard at your arm. His fidgety hands fussed with the bandages. 

You waited for a beat for him to continue, but he didn’t. You leaned in the slightest bit like it’d encourage him before you prodded further. “You don’t know?”

“Anything. About all of this–everything. Everything’s ending.” Ah. How optimistic of him, one of the men tasked with giving the world a fighting chance, to save humanity. “Nothing good happens anymore.” Right?

You stayed quiet for a long while. Miguel didn't know how to read that look on your face. He could only imagine what someone like you, someone hardened and fucked over by the world, was thinking, what you were judging by his words and– 

“Some dinosaurs got fucked by volcanic ash,” you interrupted, “but some changed, and turned into birds. Like chickens ‘n shit. Some things turned into us, too. Somehow.” You cleared your throat and rubbed at the mask covering your mouth. “Don’t like the idea that we evolved from a fucking dolphin or whatever, but it happened. We're here, too, like those fucking chickens. Despite the world ending.” You spared him a look this time. “Things still lived, even if they changed.”

Miguel was dumbstruck. And he understood what you were saying. So much more than what you tried to convey. You were starting to make sense to him. 

“Huh. That was almost optimistic. Profound, even,” he offered with a soft smile. “Didn’t know you knew so much about chickens.” 

You scoffed. “My kid loved that stupid fun fact. Loved dinosaurs. Told me about them all the time…fuckin’ chickens and dinosaurs.” You were smiling, too. He heard it in your voice, saw the creases by your eyes. 

“Sounds like a smart kid.” 

You nodded. “She was.” 

–

He convinced you to keep him company for the day, the night, and the morning. It was a relief, waking up next to you again, feeling just a little less hopeless as the hours passed in your presence while chicken fun facts echoed in his thoughts. Hell, he was even starting to like being the little spoon, especially when he felt stiff, morning excitement pressing up against his ass. 

You weren’t that shy about it. You pulled his hips closer and ground up against him, grumbling and sighing through that stupid mask into his ear. Maybe you were still asleep, indulging in your body’s wants as dreams carried your subconscious into similar territory. Miguel only hoped you were dreaming about him. 

He jumped when your large hand groped his hardening cock through his joggers. He started scrambling and reaching for the side table for the bottle of oil he kept on hand for the nights he had you in his bed (and for his own personal time), nearly dropping the damn thing when you started pulling and tearing at his pants, suddenly deciding you were beyond impatient to have him. 

“Wait–hey, just–wait a second–” Miguel scrambled to shove his sweats down before you could do anymore damage. You huffed a laugh in his ear when you finally groped his hot skin. The sound lit an inferno in his chest. “Impatient pendejo.” 

“Lube.” 

“I'm working on it.” He lathered two fingers with oil and reached back, prodding before pushing in as you spread him wide. Your impatience had his fingers pumping in and out quicker, hastily convincing his tight ring to relax and loosen for the main event. Your hand gripped his cock and tugged firmly, making his hips buck back against you and lodge his digits in deeper with an embarrassing squelch. That, in your mind, meant he was ready to go. 

You pulled his hand away rudely before yanking down your waistband and jamming yourself into him. Miguel gasped and struggled against you before you thrust forward, simultaneously pulling his hips back, and fully seating him. Your arms snaked around him to cage him in and stop him from wriggling away if it got to be too much–you wouldn't have it. Miguel liked it that way. 

“Mierda, you–” he choked down a whine when your hand curled around his throat and held firm. “D-Don't get too carried away.” But thorny barbs pushed at his skin, teasing and kneading while Miguel's core melted and eased around you. His hand felt down, jolting a little at the bump jutting out from his flat stomach. Sometimes he forgot how big you were. 

You pushed two fingers into his mouth when you started moving, rutting into him lazily and sloppily, dragging rugged moans out of his chest with every draw of your bodies together. He bit down on your fingers hard and grasped your hand at his neck to find some kind of anchor point. Another breathy laugh had Miguel opening his legs wider, his back arching off of your chest. You wrenched your fingers from his mouth and pulled him back in, adjusting yourself to make use of his compliance and fuck him better. 

“Such a good little thing,” you grumbled, voice roiling with dark thorns. “You like being manhandled, huh?” And you squeezed his thigh and his throat hard, digging in your barbs just enough to threaten injury. “Like bein’ a whore?” 

Miguel wanted to snap at you, to tell you to shut the fuck up and stop teasing (bullying) him, but you hit him where it counted and freed his mind from the concept of speech. One of his hands balled into the sheets while the other clawed back at you, trying to sink further into his set anchors.

“Hm? You tryna say somethin’?” You asked with such condescending mirth in your words. “You wanna tell me how good it feels?” 

The hand around his throat was joined by the one leaving his thigh, and you squeezed harder. Delicious sparks of blackness muddied his vision, the near-death feeling accentuating the hard cracks of your hips into his, the white-hot blaze curling his toes and shaking his thighs. 

“Tell me,” you demanded again, a little louder, a little more annoyed. But how was Miguel expected to speak when he was so close to the edge of life, death and pleasure? He was nearly there, so close, just a little more–

But you pulled out.

Miguel heaved in breaths and blinked away the fog shrouding his sight. He wondered if old wounds gave you pause, or if fatigue had finally gripped you and extinguished your desire. And it concerned him, the idea you weren't ready for this, that you might've felt pressured or–

“Tell me.”

–oh, no, you were just being a cocky asshole. Figures. 

Miguel scoffed and reached back, weakly pawing for your slick cock rubbing against the curve of his ass, trying to guide it back to where he needed it. You should've known well enough how good you were, and yet–

“Words.” 

“I-It’s good,” Miguel croaked, cringing at his stuttering. “I–can’t you just–” Your charge choked on a mangled cry when your claws broke skin and sunk deep. But the afterburn fuelled the explosion boiling in Miguel’s gut. God, what was wrong with him? 

“Please,” he finally whined. 

A pleased purr vibrated against Miguel’s back. “Please?” 

Miguel screwed his eyes shut to ward off the wave of embarrassment crashing down him. “Fuck me. I have to–I need to–” 

You slammed back in, and Miguel almost shattered. He half-turned out of your grip, chest brushing the sheets while his abdomen twisted to still give you his ass; but you were a benevolent menace, and rose to your knees, guiding his hips up with you while he buried his pleas into the mattress. 

“Good. I'll give you what you want. I can do that.” 

And after a few bullseye hits, Miguel came undone. His hips jittered and stuttered, overwhelmed and ecstatic with the electricity shooting through his body and burning him alive. You held him tightly, moaning lowly as you plowed into his stifling heat, determined to plunge off the edge yourself while torturing your partner with wave after wave of tumultuous ecstasy. You really were too good at this. It was almost unfair. 

“Por favour,” Miguel gasped. He was breaking. It was too much. Too much–

“Shut up,” you grunted, but the plea must've done the trick; your hips jolted to a stop once flush up against Miguel's ass, and a familiar flood of heat filled his guts. Miguel pulled on fistfuls of his hair and bit down on his other hand's knuckles. He probably would have passed right out if he hadn't grounded his soul with a little bit of pain. 

You slumped on top of him unceremoniously, like a dog flopping back onto its owner. You grumbled and wheezed in a way that sounded far too dad-like, in a way that almost made Miguel laugh and did indeed bring a tired smile to his face. As much as you were an insufferable asshole, you were just as cute and silly. Miguel quite possibly loved that about you. 

“What? All that shit-talking tire you out?” Miguel asked. 

You huffed. “Still sore.” Ah. Maybe your earlier torture was to disguise your need for a break after all. “You got me going too much.” 

“Sorry? You're the one who started it.” 

“You're the one who begged to get fucked,” you retorted like an annoying teenager. “Like a bitch in heat.”

Miguel sighed. He knew he wasn't about to win this one, but he had to try. His stubbornness wouldn't let him back down. 

“You're the one who woke up hard. Grinding against my ass to–” he stuttered when you pulled out suddenly before flopping down beside him in bed, “--t-to get off.” Christ he hated you. You were so fucking annoying. 

“You liked it.” You watched him grab some tissues from the side table and clean up as much as he could before rolling on his back to stare at the ceiling. “You're horny as fuck.” 

Miguel lamely slapped a hand at your chest, and you caught it, pinning it against your warmth. Miguel didn't mind. It felt nice. 

“Yeah. Well. It's the apocalypse.” 

“It's the apocalypse,” you agreed.

[cee-grice]

it is blorbo thursday once again and y'all know what that means

continuing on from last post (found here), introducing you to the rest of the project's team ✨

The Research Team (part 2)

Rey Aukatesh

a geneticist from Edkava (same country as Endra), him and his wife Onna are the only specialists invited to participate in the project from overseas

a very adept charm magic user

probably the most relaxed out of everyone, there not for the prestige but for the novelty

is only on his wife's side <3 follows her commands unconditionally <3

perpetually either amused or perplexed. just there to have a good time really

WILL throw anyone (besides his wife<3) under the bus if it'll get him (or his wife<3) what he wants

unbothered king

33ish, fair-skinned, slicked back dirty blond hair, wears simple, practical clothing, loves rings

"<...> No offense, Quilin—can I call you Quilin? You all here can be so strange with these titles—but you like to focus too much on the, ah…” He swayed his head from side to side. “Flashy stuff. Not very practical. You know?” He caught Mistress Aukateshka’s eye who twisted her face this way and that. He giggled. “Onnashka says you have too much money. That’s why.”

Onna Aukateshka

also a geneticist from Edkava but specializing more in venemagik genetics

also a very adept charm magic user

there to get shit done, can get very intense in her pursuits

would absolutely do highly unethical human experimentation if laws allowed it

(not that that can stop her, really)

with that said. she's definitely eyeing Quil and his patchwork of a body

almost entirely deaf, communicates with Rey either via sign language or telepathy (worth noting that prolonged telepathic links are infamously difficult to pull off. they're just that skilled at it)

has 0 patience for bullshit (mostly Rey's lol)

34ish, the tallest in the room, has long strawberry blonde curls, pretty conventionally attractive in general, also wears quite simple and practical clothing

“See, you do need me,” Master Aukatesh cooed in Edkavan. Mistress Aukateshka glared at him. With aggressive vigor, she signed, “He needs you” followed by a word Quil didn’t understand but, judging by the indecent symbols, probably meant something along the lines of ‘fucker’.

Erion Varkoir

a professor at the Academy, teaches theory on magia's physicality

was Quil's professor for a few years as well, and has Beef with him because Quil had uh. a tendency to question authority in inventive ways which some of the faculty members didn't appreciate lol

for the first few weeks of them working together on the project managed to entirely avoid acknowledging Quil's presence. kinda impressive honestly

(see when Quil has a problem with someone he talks shit to them instead of ignoring them. this guy though has way more self-control lmfao)

mostly just trying to do his work in peace (it's unsuccessful)

68ish (ha old), long grey hair that's usually pulled back too tightly, frown lines instead of smile lines lol, wears unusually colorless for the region robes

“You object, Erion?” “More so that I am… concerned,” he said, slow. “Bar your apprentice, d'Alisso is the youngest amongst us here, and his experience speaks to it. Would it not be more fitting for him to observe and assist instead of lead?” Behind all that politeness, Quil could almost hear the unspoken 'with all due respect, but fuck him'. It was far from unexpected, and so Quil managed to control himself from glowering.

taglist (lemme know if you wanna be added/removed): @writerfae, @tate-lin, @iriswords, @sternenmeerkind, @thecrookedwriterspath, @pure-solomon, @moonshinemagpie, @arowanaprincess, @scribe-of-stories, @thesorcerersapprentice, @stuffaboutwriting, @doriians, @sam-glade

[adorefem]

The Role of Infertility Medicine Companies in Fertility Solutions

Introduction:

Embarking on the journey to parenthood is a dream shared by countless couples, yet for many, the path is marred by the challenges of infertility. In the face of such adversity, the advent of Infertility Medicine Companies has emerged as a beacon of hope, pioneering groundbreaking solutions to address the intricate and often perplexing complexities of fertility. This article delves into the expansive realm of Infertility Medicine Companies, exploring their pivotal role in the realm of reproductive technologies, and the profound impact they wield in guiding individuals and couples towards the realization of their parenthood aspirations.

Understanding Infertility:

Infertility, a poignant reality affecting millions globally, is a multifaceted challenge that transcends mere physical barriers. Defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse, it encompasses a myriad of factors, including age, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, and genetic disorders. The emotional toll of infertility is palpable, turning the pursuit of parenthood into an arduous journey marked by uncertainty. It is within this landscape of hope and heartache that Infertility Medicine Companies emerge, dedicated to unraveling the complexities that hinder the path to conception.

The Role of Infertility Medicine Companies:

Infertility Medicine Companies stand at the forefront of the battle against infertility, wielding a repertoire of advanced medical solutions that navigate the intricate web of reproductive challenges. Collaborating with reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, geneticists, and various specialists, these companies orchestrate a symphony of innovation to offer comprehensive fertility treatments. From sophisticated diagnostic tools to cutting-edge Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), Infertility Medicine Companies not only diagnose infertility but also pave the way for transformative solutions.

Diagnostic Tools:

The first crucial step in conquering infertility lies in accurate diagnosis. Infertility medicine companies invest significantly in research and development to craft advanced diagnostic tools that empower healthcare professionals to pinpoint the root causes of infertility with unprecedented precision. These tools encompass genetic testing, hormone level assessments, and sophisticated imaging techniques that collectively illuminate the intricate landscape of reproductive health.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):

ART has revolutionized fertility treatments, providing new avenues for individuals and couples facing infertility challenges. In vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and egg freezing are examples of ART procedures that have become more widely accessible due to the efforts of infertility medicine companies. These technologies offer hope to those with conditions such as tubal factor infertility, male factor infertility, and diminished ovarian reserve.

Medications and Hormonal Therapies:

Infertility medicine companies also play a crucial role in the development of medications and hormonal therapies. These pharmaceutical advancements help regulate reproductive hormones, stimulate ovulation, and improve the chances of successful conception. Fertility medications may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan or used in conjunction with ART procedures.

Addressing Male Infertility:

While female infertility often takes the spotlight, male infertility is a significant factor in many cases. Infertility medicine companies actively research and develop solutions to address male reproductive issues, including sperm abnormalities and low sperm count. Advancements in male infertility treatments contribute to more inclusive and effective fertility care.

Navigating Ethical Considerations:

The rapid progress in infertility medicine raises important ethical considerations. Issues such as embryo selection, genetic screening, and the storage of reproductive materials require careful thought and consideration. Infertility medicine companies must navigate these ethical challenges to ensure that their advancements are aligned with societal values and respect the dignity of the individuals seeking fertility treatment.

The Emotional Impact:

Infertility is not merely a physical challenge; it also takes a toll on the emotional well-being of individuals and couples. Infertility medicine companies recognize the importance of providing emotional support and counseling services alongside medical treatments. A holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of infertility contributes to a more positive and supportive experience for those on the fertility journey.

Conclusion:

Infertility medicine companies are at the forefront of the battle against infertility, offering a range of solutions that provide hope to individuals and couples aspiring to build a family. Through cutting-edge diagnostics, assisted reproductive technologies, and pharmaceutical advancements, these companies contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of fertility care. As technology continues to advance, infertility medicine companies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of reproductive medicine, unlocking new possibilities for those on the path to parenthood.

In the intricate tapestry of fertility, Infertility Medicine Companies emerge as architects of hope, navigating the complexities with cutting-edge solutions that redefine the landscape of reproductive health. Their transformative role extends beyond diagnostics and treatments; these companies become partners in the profound and often emotional journey of those grappling with infertility. As technological advancements continue to unfold, the pivotal role of Infertility Medicine Companies becomes increasingly evident, not only in addressing physical challenges but in fostering a holistic approach that embraces the emotional well-being of individuals and couples. The impact of Infertility Medicine Companies reverberates in the ground-breaking diagnostic tools that illuminate the intricacies of reproductive health. With genetic testing, hormone assessments, and advanced imaging techniques, healthcare professionals can now unravel the mysteries of infertility with unprecedented precision. This diagnostic precision not only expedites the path to parenthood but also empowers individuals with knowledge, demystifying the often overwhelming journey and fostering a sense of control over their fertility narrative.

Furthermore, the profound influence of Infertility Medicine Companies extends to the ethical considerations inherent in the field. As these companies tread carefully through the complex terrain of embryo selection, genetic screening, and the storage of reproductive materials, they demonstrate a commitment to upholding ethical standards and respecting the deeply personal choices of those seeking fertility treatment. In doing so, Infertility Medicine Companies not only advance medical science but also contribute to the societal dialogue on the boundaries and responsibilities within the dynamic and evolving field of fertility care. As the journey towards parenthood evolves, Infertility Medicine Companies stand as unwavering pillars of support, offering hope, guidance, and a transformative vision of the future for individuals and couples navigating the intricate path to building their families.

[6pets]

The Mystery Of Blue Eyes In The Indian Population

Have you ever wondered about the mysteries that lie within the diverse human population? One such enigma that has captivated researchers and piqued the curiosity of many is the presence of blue eyes in the Indian population. Yes, you heard it right! Blue eyes, often associated with Caucasian individuals, have been found in some Indians, leaving scientists perplexed. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing world of the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population and unravel the scientific explanations behind this phenomenon. Picture this: a vibrant tapestry of brown-eyed individuals, but amidst them, a few individuals possess striking blue eyes. It's like discovering a hidden gem in a sea of familiarity. The existence of blue eyes in the Indian population has sparked debates and theories among scientists, geneticists, and anthropologists alike. How did this captivating trait find its way into a region where it is relatively uncommon? The prevailing hypothesis suggests that this occurrence can be attributed to genetic mutations that have been preserved over generations. While blue eyes are primarily associated with individuals of European descent, it is believed that the genetic variation responsible for this eye color may have been introduced to the Indian population through ancient migrations or intermixing with other populations. So, how does this phenomenon occur at a genetic level? It all boils down to a specific gene called OCA2, which is responsible for the production of melanin, the pigment that determines eye color. The presence of a specific variation in the OCA2 gene can result in a reduction or absence of melanin production, leading to blue eyes. This genetic mutation is said to be more prevalent in certain regions of India, such as the northeastern states, where the occurrence of blue eyes is relatively higher compared to other parts of the country. While the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population continues to intrigue researchers, it serves as a testament to the fascinating diversity and complexity of human genetics. Blue eyes are a rare occurrence in the Indian population, creating a mystery that has captivated scientists and researchers. Unlike other populations where blue eyes are more common, the prevalence of blue eyes in India is significantly lower. While the exact reasons behind this phenomenon are still unclear, scientists believe it could be attributed to genetic factors and intermixing with other populations. The mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population continues to intrigue and fascinate experts in the field. The Mystery of Blue Eyes in the Indian Population Blue eyes have always been associated with a sense of mystery and allure. In many cultures, they are considered rare and captivating. While blue eyes are commonly found in populations of European descent, it is intriguing to discover that they also exist within the Indian population. The presence of blue eyes in this demographic raises questions about their origins and prevalence. In this article, we will delve into the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population, exploring their significance and shedding light on their genetic implications. The Origins of Blue Eyes in India Blue eyes are primarily associated with European ancestry, particularly in populations of northern and western Europe. However, there are instances of blue-eyed individuals in various parts of the world, including India. The presence of blue eyes in the Indian population can be attributed to several factors. One possible explanation is the intermingling of different ethnic groups throughout history. India has a rich history of invasions and migrations, with various groups entering the region and contributing to its genetic diversity. These populations may have carried the genetic variants responsible for blue eyes, leading to their presence in certain individuals. Another factor to consider is the influence of genetic mutations. Blue eyes are the result of a genetic variation in the OCA2 gene, which affects the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for eye color. Mutations in this gene can result in reduced melanin production and the appearance of blue eyes. It is possible that these mutations have occurred in the Indian population, leading to the occurrence of blue eyes. The Prevalence of Blue Eyes in India While blue eyes are not as common in the Indian population as they are in European populations, they can still be found in certain regions and communities. The prevalence of blue eyes in India varies across different states and ethnic groups. In some communities, such as the Kashmiri population in northern India, blue eyes are more prevalent. This can be attributed to the historical presence of populations with European ancestry in these regions. Additionally, certain tribes in northeastern India, such as the Apatani tribe, are known for their distinctive blue eyes. It is important to note that the prevalence of blue eyes in India is relatively low compared to other eye colors. The majority of the Indian population has brown eyes, which is the most common eye color worldwide. However, the presence of blue eyes in a diverse country like India highlights the complexity of human genetics and the potential for unique variations within populations. The Genetic Significance of Blue Eyes in the Indian Population The occurrence of blue eyes in the Indian population provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of the country. It serves as a reminder that human populations are not homogenous and that genetic variations can occur even within specific regions. Studying the genetics of blue eyes in the Indian population can help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for eye color. By identifying the specific genetic variants associated with blue eyes, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how eye color is determined and regulated. Furthermore, the presence of blue eyes in India challenges traditional notions of racial and ethnic categorization. It showcases the interconnectedness of different populations and emphasizes the need to view human diversity beyond superficial physical traits. The Role of Blue Eyes in Indian Culture Blue eyes, with their rarity and uniqueness, have often held a special place in various cultures and mythologies. In Indian culture, blue eyes are sometimes associated with divinity and spiritual significance. For example, the Hindu deity Lord Krishna is often depicted with blue eyes, symbolizing his divine nature. In addition, the presence of blue eyes can also be a source of fascination and beauty. Blue-eyed individuals in India may be seen as exotic or distinct, garnering attention and admiration for their unique physical trait. Overall, the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population adds to the tapestry of human genetic diversity and challenges conventional notions of eye color prevalence. It serves as a reminder that our understanding of genetics is still evolving, and that the presence of unique traits can be found in unexpected places. Blue eyes in the Indian population symbolize both the complexity and beauty of human diversity. The Mystery of Blue Eyes in the Indian Population - Blue eyes are a rare occurrence in the Indian population. - Although predominantly found in people of European descent, blue eyes can also appear due to genetic mutations. - Researchers are trying to unravel the genetic factors behind the presence of blue eyes in some Indians. - One theory suggests that the presence of blue eyes in India can be traced back to ancient migration patterns. - Further studies are needed to fully understand the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population. # Frequently Asked Questions **Q1: Can people of Indian descent have blue eyes?** A: Yes, it is possible for people of Indian descent to have blue eyes. While it is less common compared to other eye colors, blue eyes can occur naturally in the Indian population. The presence of blue eyes in India is often attributed to genetic factors and historical migrations. Blue eye color is primarily determined by the amount and distribution of melanin, a pigment responsible for the color of our eyes, hair, and skin. People with blue eyes have less melanin in the iris, resulting in a lighter color. The specific genes responsible for eye color are complex and can vary among individuals. **Q2: What are the genetic factors influencing blue eye color in the Indian population?** A: The genetic factors contributing to blue eye color in the Indian population are not fully understood. It is believed that a combination of genetic variations and mutations play a role in the occurrence of blue eyes. One of the key genes associated with eye color is OCA2, which regulates the production of melanin. In some cases, individuals of Indian descent with blue eyes may have inherited the trait from ancestors who had European or Central Asian ancestry. Historical migrations and intermingling of populations have resulted in the introduction of different genetic variations into the Indian gene pool, leading to the presence of blue eyes. **Q3: Are blue eyes more prevalent in certain regions of India?** A: Blue eyes are not uniformly distributed across India and tend to be more prevalent in certain regions. Regions with historical connections to Central Asia and Europe, such as Kashmir and parts of Northern India, have a higher incidence of blue eye color. These areas have witnessed significant migration and interactions with populations from different regions. It is important to note that the prevalence of blue eyes varies within the Indian population, and it is still considered a relatively rare eye color overall. Factors such as regional genetic variations, intermarriage, and historical events have contributed to the geographic distribution of blue eyes in India. **Q4: Can blue eye color skip generations in Indian families?** A: Yes, blue eye color can skip generations in Indian families, just like in any other population. Eye color inheritance is a complex process influenced by multiple genes. It is possible for parents with blue eyes to have children with different eye colors, including brown or green. The expression of eye color traits can be influenced by the combination of genes inherited from both parents. It is important to remember that eye color is not solely determined by the immediate family's eye color but can be influenced by the genetic makeup of ancestors from several generations back. Therefore, even if both parents have blue eyes, they can still have children with different eye colors, including blue, brown, or green. **Q5: Are there any health implications associated with blue eyes in the Indian population?** A: Blue eye color itself does not have any direct health implications for individuals of Indian descent or any other population. Eye color is primarily a cosmetic trait and does not affect vision or overall health. However, it is essential for individuals with blue eyes to protect their eyes from excessive sunlight exposure, as they may be more sensitive to UV radiation. It is worth noting that certain eye conditions, such as ocular albinism, can be associated with blue eyes. However, these conditions are rare and not directly related to the presence of blue eye color in the Indian population. Regular eye check-ups and proper eye care practices are essential for maintaining optimal eye health, regardless of eye color. "True Tales of the Blue Eyed Indian" *Trailer 2014 Final Summary: Unraveling the Enigma of Blue Eyes in the Indian Population As we conclude our exploration into the fascinating topic of blue eyes in the Indian population, we find ourselves intrigued by the mysteries that surround this phenomenon. While blue eyes are commonly associated with certain ethnicities, they have been observed in a small percentage of the Indian population, sparking curiosity and speculation. Through our journey, we have uncovered various theories and explanations that shed light on this enigmatic trait. One prevailing theory suggests that the presence of blue eyes in the Indian population can be attributed to genetic mutations and intermixing between different ethnic groups throughout history. This genetic diversity has allowed for the emergence of rare eye colors, including blue. Moreover, recent scientific studies have identified specific gene variants that may be responsible for the occurrence of blue eyes in individuals of Indian descent. Additionally, cultural influences and historical events have played a significant role in shaping the genetic makeup of the Indian population. The migrations and invasions that have occurred over centuries have brought people from diverse backgrounds together, resulting in genetic variations that manifest in unique physical traits, such as blue eyes. In conclusion, the mystery of blue eyes in the Indian population continues to captivate our imagination. The interplay between genetics, historical events, and cultural influences has contributed to the presence of this intriguing trait. While further research is needed to fully unravel the complexities of this phenomenon, our exploration has provided valuable insights into the rich tapestry of human diversity. So, next time you come across someone with blue eyes in India, appreciate the beauty and wonder that lies within their unique genetic heritage. Read the full article

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Now we know, from the Human Genome Project, that there is, in fact, no hardwired micro- level life processes programming embedded in our DNA. Instead, it appears that our DNA double helixes are simply very long strands of connected protein templates; nowhere in our DNA to be found are coded instructions for when our cells should make any of those proteins. DNA protein templates are like individual blueprints for constructing all the millions of individual parts needed to make a skyscraper, but our DNA does not contain instructions for how to put the parts together to build the skyscraper, when to make which parts, or what to do when the skyscraper doesn’t function properly.

The relatively new discipline of epigenetics has thrown geneticists yet another big curve. It was long believed that our DNA, which contains both active and inactive protein templates, was fixed at birth: if a protein template was inactive at birth, it would remain inactive all our life. Today we know that protein templates for specific proteins are routinely deactivated and activated in response to environmental, physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Identical twins, born with the same sets of activated and deactivated protein templates, can end their lives with two very different sets of activated and deactivated protein templates depending on how they have lived and thought and on the emotions they have experienced.

We come then to the currently most perplexing question in all of genetics: If there are no hardwired biological instructions embedded in our DNA to tell our cells which proteins to produce at any given moment, how do our cells produce the correct proteins for every need at the hundreds-of-thousands-per-hour pace at which a typical cell makes proteins? And how does our cell know which DNA protein templates to activate and which ones to deactivate?

-- Joseph Selbie, Break Through the Limits of the Brain

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The Princess and the Peasant - (An Azula Epic) - Chapter 104 - Katsu the Combustion!

The luminous rays of the sun rose majestically over the mountain forest below.

While Katsu held her arm over her face as she stepped beyond the tree line and into the morning light.

All the while as she gazed up at the magnificent rising sun with her golden eyes widening in awe.

While Elle stood alongside her with her backpack slung over her shoulders as she too gazed up at the sun.

"What…is that amazing orb of light?" Katsu questioned with innocent wonder lacing her voice as she stood staring up at the emerging sun.

While the petite blonde turned to stare back at her with her amber eyes widening in disbelief.

"That…that's the sun. You…don't remember what the sun looks like?" Elle answered with astonishment in her voice while her widened eyes gazed back at the taller girl's frustrated face.

"It has been so long since I've seen it. I had forgotten what it looked like." The bomber confessed in a self-conscious voice with her golden eyes still staring up at the brightening sun.

While Elle still stared at taller girl with her mouth dropping open in a display of sympathy.

All the while as she struggled to process how anyone would be so cruel as to make another human forget the sun!

Boom!

Several explosions of firebending erupted over the burning fortress.

While Team Azula leaped out of the way with their elbows shielding their astonishes faces.

Just as the princess skillfully dodged the bomber's poorly aimed swing before she delivered a kick to the back of the girl's head.

While she still stared on with her golden eyes agape in disbelief as she watched the younger firebender soar through a broken window.

All the while as her captain stood behind her with her hazel eyes wide in equal awe.

"I…don't believe it! She has green firebending!" Azula spoke in a stunned voice with her golden eyes staring into the rubble in marvelment.

Never in all her life has she met anyone other than herself with any color of firebending that wasn't orange!

Although it really wasn't so much a flame…it was more like…an explosive light!

'Elle was right. That isn't a flame in the traditional sense like father or Zuko is able to produce. It is more along the lines of combustionbending!' The princess thought with her cold gaze still wide in a rare state of astonishment.

"Incredible! That girl is a combustionbender and an exceedingly unique one at that!" Zoe exclaimed with amazement in her hazel eyes while she gazed into the burning debris in shock.

While every member of Team Azula stared into the burning building with their eyes wide in amazement.

All the while as Nero stood watching with a cruelly pleased smirk on his lips when the sound of rubble being pushed out of the way resonated into the air.

"What...is with that girl! She acts more like a komodo rhino than a human!" Mai asked with bewilderment in her normally deadpan voice while her widened tawny eyes gazed into the smoking rubble.

Just as the teenager stood up from the rubble with splinters of wood in her increasingly disheveled brown hair.

While the bomber panted like a wild beast with her maddened golden eyes spinning about to gaze all around her.

All the while as the team stared on with blinking looks of bafflement in their eyes.

"Watch out! She has a tendency to go into animalistic fits of rage!" The handmaid cried out with worry in her voice while the two older firebenders stared the disturbed girl down.

"I already gathered as much Elle." Azula stated in dismissive voice with her callous eyes ruthlessly staring imposingly back at the manic bomber.

"The only other combustionbender that I have ever met was Mother's late Combustion Man. Until today I never thought that I would meet another bender capable of performing such a rare technique." The captain remarked in a stoic voice while she gazed back at the girl with intrigued hazel eyes.

Only for all of their eyes to widen once more when the girl broke out into another charge at the stunned Mai and Ty Lee.

While the teenager and her two big sisters watched the girl barrel towards them with their eyes wide in perplexity.

"K-Katsu! It's me Elle! No stop don't! Eep!" Elle stammered in a panicked voice just as a green explosion was lobbed in her frightened face.

And then not a moment later an explosion detonated throughout the center of the burning complex!

While the acrobat gracefully leaped away with the younger girl hanging onto her arm while.

All the while as she gazed back at the rampaging bomber with her brown-gray eyes wide in startlement.

Just as Katsu impacted with Mai while the noblewoman struggled to hold the crazed girl off with her knife.

While the markswoman's tawny eyes flickered with an unnerved gleam as she stared down into the bomber's maddened golden eyes.

"Are you insane kid? You're attacking the wrong people!" Mai spoke in an aggravated voice only to be taken off guard when the girl erupted into a maddened laughter.

Just before she gritted her teeth when a blast of combustionbending went off in her face.

All the while as she flipped away into the cold snow with her boots sliding through the burning rubble.

While a dense smoke now blew through the air.

And the two firebenders broke out into a sprint to assist their rapidly overwhelmed comrades.

Only for the captain and the princess's eyes to grow even wider in shock when the bomber leaped from the smoke straight at the taken aback acrobat.

"Katsu! W-wait!" The handmaid called out in a frightened voice from where she hung on her big sister's shoulder while they slid through the snow.

All the while as the berserker's fists lit up with a lethal green glow while the two girls gazed on in wide-eyed alarm.

Just as the princess and the captain intercepted the combustionbender's warpath before they sent the rampaging girl stumbling backwards through the snow with a precise blast of their own firebending.

While the two noblewomen and their young friend stared on from behind in disbelief when the girl immediately bounded through the stream of fire!

And the next moment later the captain found herself locking fists with the berserk bomber!

All the while as the two combatants grappled through the snow while the others gaped from the sidelines.

While Zoe stared back at the younger firebender in surprise over the girl's incredible power.

"And if I didn't know any better this young warrior might be stronger than the Combustion Man!" Zoe spoke in an impressed voice while Katsu gripped her fists with her golden eyes gazing violently up at her.

While a bright combustion light shone before her astonished eyes while the girl grinned madly up at her.

"Bakudan!" Katsu shouted in a wild voice with her hair blowing wildly before her eyes while she detonated a blast of energy in the warrior's shocked face.

And then a thunderous explosion shook the ruined fortress while Team Azula stared on with stunned looks in their eyes.

While Azula stared on with her golden eyes still flickering in disbelief.

Never would she have ever expected to find such a powerful firebender in this foreign land!

All while Nero watched the battle unfold with his lips still entrenched in an increasingly delighted smile.

"Katsu is no ordinary warrior. What you call benders here we refer to as an aberration. My Katsu is the only fire aberrant of her kind. She is a berserk fire aberration!" Nero announced with a demented scientific glee lacing his voice while Team Azula listened in shock.

Just as the captain slid through a broken wall while her comrades stared on with their unconcealed captivation in their awed eyes.

"An aberration?" The princess questioned under her breath with her ruthless eyes gazing in an intense desire to learn more.

While the two noblewomen and their young friend gazed on with stunned looks in their eyes while they watched the girl charge after the captain into the rubble.

"Or as you would call it…a berserk firebender!" The geneticist boasted with his gloved finger pointing victoriously back at the older girl's perplexed faces.

"A berserk firebender…" The markswoman trailed off with a twinge of curiosity in her monotone voice.

While she dropped down on her booted feet beside the acrobat and her little sister while she watched through the howling winds in rising interest.

"In other words, a brainless brawler." Azula snorted in a hubristic voice while she directed a sneer back in Nero's direction.

Only for her callous eyes to narrow into murderous slits when the man smiled coldly back at her in mockery.

"Your analysis is pitifully incorrect Azula. Anyone can be a brawler. But only Katsu has the sheer might and talent to adopt such a reckless combat style." Nero explained in a conceited voice with his crimson eyes staring mechanically back into Azula's enraged golden eyes.

While the others gazed on in trepidation just as the captain jumped from the debris.

All the while as her increasingly excited hazel eyes gazing back at her young wild opponent charging towards once again.

Just as Zoe wiped a droplet of blood from her chin while a small smirk began to form upon her lips.

"In simple terms! The longer she fights the stronger her energy becomes!" The geneticist yelled out with a sadistic scientific joy in his exhilarated eyes while Team Azula's eyes grew wide in pure unadulterated shock.

"He's not lying! You need to knock her out really fast before she gets any further riled up!" Elle advised with her hands over her mouth while her big sisters gazed on at the attacking girl behind her.

"But the battle has only just begun. After all it isn't every day that I get to face off against such an impressive young warrior." The captain commented in a thrilled voice as she caught the teenager's fist in hand while the bomber gazed back up at her with manic golden eyes.

Just as the combustionbender let out an animalistic growl while they plunged through the flames as they started exchanging a flurry of rapid blows.

While the princess stared on with her brilliant golden eyes paying close attention to the girl's moves.

All the while as Team Azula watched with their interest glued solely on Katsu.

While the berserk girl swung her glowing fists in the captain's face in a wild effort to land a blow.

Only for Zoe to skillfully sidestep her punches while she stared back at the snarling girl with entertained hazel eyes.

Just before her hazel eyes widened once more when an explosive fist nearly hit her in the jaw.

Now she understood why the man referred to the girl as his 'berserk bomber'!

"This girl…she's adapting as we fight!" Zoe exclaimed as she stepped back with her focused eyes gazing back at the roaring berserker.

While Azula's golden eyes continued to grow wider as she watched the two from the sidelines.

There was no doubt about it!

Even though there was no mistaking that the girl was an imbecile.

She was clearly learning from Zoe the longer they fight!

Just before she stared on with her brows furrowing in surprise when she saw red steam starting to emanate from her captain's body once more.

And then just like that Zoe stood in the flames with her hidden technique activating yet again!

While she clenched her fists as she held her head up while she released the aura of her chi.

All the while as Mai, Ty Lee and Elle gaped on with their jaws dropping once more while they observed the mighty captain let loose her stored power.

While Nero's red eyes widened in excitement as he turned to gaze back at Zoe with his lips parting in astonishment.

Just as Katsu's charge was halted by the release of Zoe's power while her maddened golden eyes widened in bewilderment.

All while the tall woman stared back at her with stoic hazel eyes as steam continued to pour from her muscles.

"And it is even rarer that I get the chance to use this twice in one day." The captain spoke with a smirk on her lips while she blocked another swing from the ballistic teenager.

While Katsu growled in protest as she tried to wrench her wrist free from the older female's vice grip.

All the while as the imposing warrior stared down into her confused eyes.

And then mere seconds after that the combustionbender let out a gasp when a powerful fist slammed into her belly.

While spit flew out of her mouth and down into the melted snow at her feet as she began to stagger backwards.

While the rest of Team Azula stood rooted to their spots as they gazed on in wide-eyed captivation.

Before the mad bomber was sent hurtling through a burning wall while the captain gazed after her with strikingly calm hazel eyes.

And then the berserk plunged straight through the collapsing wall of another blazing building while the highborn women and their young servant still watched in trepidation.

"Is…it over?" Ty Lee questioned in a still taken aback voice as she held Elle under her arm while they gazed into burning flames.

While Mai stared on with her cold tawny eyes narrowing ever so slightly in aggravation as she clenched a fist at her hip.

'I must discover what the sage meant when she stated that I could attain greater power.' Mai thought with a frown on her lips while she held her fists at her womanly hips.

Only for all of their eyes to widen when they turned their heads to see the girl already leaping free from the rubble!

And then a mighty aura of energy erupted into the air before Team Azula's astonished eyes.

While Azula and Zoe turned to gaze over their shoulders with their eyes widening once more.

All the while as Katsu stood in a crouch with her vibrant golden eyes staring back at them.

While Nero continued to survey the battle with a cruel smirk on his pleased lips.

"No. You're going to have to hit her harder than that. Usually, Naoki is the only one who can put her down." The handmaid murmured while her highborn friends listened to her in bewilderment.

Just as the two firebenders jumped down beside one another while they stared back at the glowing girl with marveled expressions in their eyes.

"I have never seen anything like this before. One moment her bending is a tiny spark and the next it is a raging inferno." Zoe remarked with her fists in a fighting stance while her ruler gazed on with perplexed golden eyes.

Before the princess scowled as she firmly planted her boots on the ground while she let out a haughty scoff.

"It doesn't matter Zoe. We'll crush her all the same." Azula stated in a callous voice with her azure flames flaring to life behind her.

And that was all it took for Katsu's vibrant golden eyes to take on a murderous gleam once more while she pulled herself from the rubble.

And then the walls around her exploded into chunks of flying debris while she charged towards the ruthless princess.

While Azula glared back with intimidating golden eyes as she watched the berserk girl barrel straight at her.

All the while as her beautiful lips pulled into a cruel smirk with an inferno of blue fire rearing up all around her.

While Zoe covered her face behind her arms as she gazed back at her monarch in unconcealed admiration.

While the others present watched the battle unfold with suspenseful expressions in their awestruck eyes.

"Why…is that girl so furious at Azula?" The acrobat pondered in a confused voice with her brown-gray eyes blinking in puzzlement while the teenager released a manic roar.

All the while as Katsu charged right through the flames with her howls resonating all throughout the remains of the fortress.

Just as she leaped high into the air with her fists aglow as she dropped down from above the stationary conqueror.

While the older firebender stared back up at her with unintimidated golden eyes.

While Elle bit her lip nervously as she mulled over the question herself with her gentle amber eyes gazing on in worry at her increasingly unstable friend.

Before she turned her eyes to Nero's sadistic face while her lips creased into a frown.

'What did he do to you Katsu?' The handmaid thought as she shivered in her coat while the cold arctic winds swept through the burning camp once more.

And then the princess's defensive wall of flames took shape around her while she stared up at her descending target.

Just before she casually slid one foot to the side while an intense pillar of blue fire sent the rampaging girl flying backwards.

Only for the bomber to quickly land on her feet in the snow while she let out another roar as she continued her charge.

While the princess rolled her intelligent golden eyes as she gazed the screaming girl down.

"You are going to have to do better than that brat." The princess snorted in a dismissive voice with her finger sparking in lethal electricity while she glared out at the maddened bomber.

Before she discharged an arc of lightning that sent the bewildered maniac staggering backwards on her shaken feet.

Just as Azula released a large blast of blue firebending in the teenager's off-guard face.

While Katsu let out another roar of protest before she was sent soaring into the snow onto her back.

And then the girl landed on her ass as she lay panting in the midst of the flames with her angered golden eyes glaring up at her powerful opponent.

All while Team Azula and the surrounding soldiers still watched from the sidelines in amazement.

While the confident princess walked towards her downed opponent while her pointed boots crushed the snow that was beneath her heated feet.

Just as she came to a stop towering over the bomber while her arrogant golden eyes scrutinized the snarling girl.

And then not a second after that Azula ruthlessly stomped her boot down on the girl's yelping face.

While she cruelly ground the girl beneath her heel with her boot resting atop Katsu's humiliated head.

All the while as her childhood friends stared at her back in disapproval while Elle watched with rising distress in her sweet eyes.

"P-please don't be too hard on her Azula-sama!" Elle pleaded in a lovable voice while Mai let out a snort beside her.

And Ty Lee just sighed as she shook her head.

"It is not your place to give me orders peasant!" Azula barked in a pompous voice with her golden eyes glaring down at the firebender writing underneath her boot.

While she momentarily took great delight in how her young girlfriend quivered in submission to her authority.

But now was not the time to dwell on such weakness.

"While your combustionbending may indeed be a power to be reckoned with. Your defense leaves much to be desired." The princess spoke in a voice of effortless dominance while she stared down at the pinned girl with imposing golden eyes.

While the girl lay face first in the ground with the princess's boot still pressing down onto her head as she thrashed under the tall woman's unforgiving heel.

"My…defense?" The bomber muttered as she tried to push herself up only for the woman's weight to press her back into the ground.

"Yes, idiot. Your defense." Azula snorted as she rolled her haughty golden eyes while she loomed over the humiliated girl.

"What's…an idiot?" Katsu questioned with in a confused voice while she attempted to gaze up at Azula's now speechless face.

And for the most fleeting of moments her golden eyes shook with a tiny sliver of something akin to innocence.

While the noblewomen gazed on with returning sympathy in their eyes.

And Elle's amber eyes once again became overcome with a shade of sorrow.

"Ugh. You can't be serious. You can't possibly be that stupid, can you?" The princess mocked with a derisive snort escaping her nostrils while the girl glared up at her.

Only for all eyes to turn to Nero when the cruel man let out a demented chuckle of amusement.

"It means that you are a fool completely devoid of intelligent thought. In other words, she means to imply that you are a mentally handicapped simpleton." Nero responded in a cruel yet educational voice with his arms folded over his chest.

While Azula glared at him from the corner of her eye before she turned her incredulous gaze back down to the girl's blank face.

Just before the four highborn women soon found themselves gazing on comically when the girl simply blinked her eyes in confusion.

"Simpleton? I…I don't follow." The bomber stated in a frustrated voice as she gazed around in bewilderment.

While Azula blinked down at her with her eyes agape in disbelief.

And even Elle held a palm over her face as she sighed underneath her hand.

"Never mind. I can see that you are." Azula taunted with her blue fire burning over her fists while she smirked down at the girl's face under her boot.

Only for her regal brows to furrow when a green aura began to emanated from under her foot.

Until with no warning whatsoever the girl sprang out from underneath the princess's heel.

And then she landed a savage kick in the princess's surprised cheek.

While the monarch now slid back through the rubble with her golden eyes widened in surprise as she wiped a droplet of blood from her cheek.

All the while as her comrades stared on with shock in their eyes when the girl's green aura began to grow even brighter.

And then to the utter shock of all of Team Azula the teenager held out her hands at her sides in a poor imitation of the princess's firebending stance!

While the girl let out another manic laugh as her palms started to glow while she stared back at Azula's stunned face.

"She's…emulating you princess." The captain stated with her hazel eyes staring on in surprise while her princess gazed back at the girl in shock.

Before Azula pursed her lovely lips into another cold scowl while she glared back at her younger opponent.

And then not a second after that she held up her hands in a proper bending stance while she stared the deranged girl down.

"That form of yours is pathetic. You have a lot to learn girl." The princess remarked in a snobbish yet teaching voice with fire escaping her imposing nostrils while the bomber's golden eyes glared back at her.

Just before the two firebenders broke out into a run heading straight towards each other!

While the team watched with their mouths still ajar in shock.

And then just like that the two warriors began to dance through the flames while they exchanged a rapid series of blows.

All the while as the princess stepped left and right with her stern golden eyes staring back at her roaring opponent.

Only for her golden eyes to widen ever so marginally when the girl swung her foot at her face.

And then she slid to the side.

Before her lips parted in shock when she watched through the corner of her eye as the girl's boot began to glow.

And not even seconds later another explosion of combustionbending tore into the air while Zoe's hazel eyes widened once more.

"She…just combusted with her feet!" Zoe called out with surprise in her voice while she watched her leader jump from the smoke.

And then Azula landed gracefully on her booted feet with her surprised golden eyes still staring back into the inferno in shock.

Just before she turned her head when she heard her loyal serving girl's voice call out to her.

"Azula-sama! H-her power works in stages! And I think she is starting to access the next level!" The handmaid shouted with her hands over her mouth while her big sisters gazed on with stunned eyes.

While her master listened with her golden eyes turning to stare imposingly back into the rising smoke.

Just as a series of explosions began to resonate into the air while the whole of Team Azula stood on guard with their eyes glued to the flames.

Only to find themselves staring on in bafflement to see the bomber standing with her foot planted on a barrel while she grinned deviously back at them.

All the while as Nero continued to cackle in an increasingly pleased manner.

"Yes! That's it Katsu! Go boom!" The geneticist chuckled as he held his gloved hands at his hips while the highborn women stared back at him in confusion.

However, before any of them could get a chance to ask the man what he meant.

They watched in bewilderment as a barrel rolled towards them with a faintly ominous glow beginning to radiate from its surface.

"L-look out Azula-sama!" Elle yelled in a devoted voice just as Azula leaped away before the barrel promptly exploded before her shocked eyes.

"Did…she just turn that barrel into a bomb!" Mai exclaimed with disbelief lining her monotone voice while her hazel eyes gaped on in awe.

While Azula and Zoe nimbly jumped away as they watched in disbelief as a flurry of explosive debris were now being thrown their way.

"P-please be careful! She can use her power to convert harmless objects into bombs!" The handmaid blurted out in a frightened voice while her friends gazed on with wide-eyed looks in their eyes.

"Why didn't you tell us that before servant!" Azula bellowed in an annoyed voice while her servant girl shook with her worried eyes gazing at her back.

Before she stomped her boots into the ground while her flames exploded the soaring debris before they could hit her.

While Zoe jumped backwards with her focused hazel eyes never leaving Katsu's increasingly unstable face.

All the while as Mai and Ty Lee jumped aside with Elle crying out as she clung to the acrobat's neck.

While they frantically evaded the bomber's lethal projectiles.

"Hang on little sister! I've got you!" Ty Lee assured in a protective voice as she skillfully leaped out of the way of the exploding objects.

Before she briefly smiled down at the younger girl when she felt the teenager embrace her around the neck.

"Arigatou gozaimasu Ty Lee." Elle mumbled in an adorable voice while Ty Lee bounded through the air with her under her arm.

"Anytime baby sister." The acrobat cheered in a tender voice with a grin on her lips while the shorter girl smiled up at her.

While the markswoman snorted as she jumped back alongside them with her knives in hand.

"So, basically anything can become her weapon. Isn't that just swell." The markswoman snorted in a deadpan voice with her annoyed tawny eyes staring back at the girl as she landed on her booted feet.

All while Nero gazed on with a devious smile pulling onto his pale lips.

Just as he took a casual step forward with his crimson eyes gazing back at his prized subject's face.

'It would seem that the girl is not yet able to access her full power of her own accord. Well…I suppose I'll just have to give her a helpful nudge.' Nero thought with sadism flashing before his eyes while a cold smile graced his lips.

"Katsu! I have something important to tell you! I didn't want to tell you because I didn't think that your delicate mind could handle it! But that woman!" The geneticist shouted with his finger pointing back at the princess's callous face while the woman turned to regard him with a frigid eye.

While Team Azula turned to the man with confusion in their eyes.

All the while as the bomber paused with her glowing fists at her hips as she listened with her golden eyes turning to stare back at the unapologetically evil man.

"Killed your parents!" Nero shouted in a shameless voice while the team stared back at him in disbelief over his gall.

While Katsu froze up as she turned to gaze back at Azula's aggravated face.

Only for the older firebender to cruelly roll her eyes.

"Oh, please! Just how stupid are you!" The princess snapped in a pitiless voice while she fearlessly met the bomber's erratically furious gaze.

"No, she didn't! He's lying Katsu!" The handmaid hollered with anger in her eyes while she glared back at the man's remorseless face.

All the while as her big sister's stared on with disgust in their eyes.

"But don't take my word for it. Hear it from Azula herself." The geneticist stated in a smug voice as he held out his gloved fist with a small recorder in hand.

Before he pressed the play button only for the princess to turn to the device with her golden eyes widening in bewilderment when she heard her voice emanate from it.

While Team Azula gazed on with their eyes wide in anger as they listened to what seemed to be the princess's voice saying only two words.

 Die peasant.

All while the group stood in their spots with their mouths agape in confusion.

While the researcher stared back at the shocked bomber with a feigned expression of sorrow on his face.

As the audio continued to repeat the seeming monarch's words over and over which was followed up closely by the sound of horrific screams.

While Ty Lee and Mai gazed back at the man with a rare expression of indescribable repugnance in their narrowed eyes.

"My…my parents." Katsu repeated in a traumatized voice with her golden eyes staring furiously back at Azula's scoffing face.

"That's right Katsu. She's your tormentor. She murdered your mother and father. And afterwards…she took you back and she tortured you in the cells." Nero concluded as he lowered the recorder while he gazed heartlessly back at the teenager's mortified face.

Just as Team Azula turned to glare back at Nero just after they recovered from their surprise over the man's audacious lie.

"Azula couldn't have! She hadn't even stepped foot into this land until today!" Ty Lee yelled out in an attempt to reason with the furious looking girl.

While Katsu's eyes took on a progressively more frightening gleam.

"T-that's not her voice Katsu! He imitated her voice and superimposed it over their screams! Please listen to me!" Elle stammered with a frantic expression in her eyes while Mai grimaced beside her.

"I don't think she hears you kid." Mai commented in a grim voice while she glared in Nero's direction.

"So, that's his game." The captain muttered as she stood up beside her monarch while she glared at the researcher through the corner of her cold eye.

And then not a second after that Katsu screamed out at the top of her lungs like a wild beast while Team Azula gaped back at her in shock.

And just like that her entire body became consumed in her green aura!

While the bomber shrieked like a beast with her golden eyes now dancing in an expression of insanity.

All the while as Azula and Zoe stared back at the girl with stunned expressions in their widened eyes.

"What phenomenal power!" Zoe spoke with unhidden awe in her voice while Azula stared on in shock beside her.

While a bubble of green energy blew out from underneath the bomber's feet as she frantically tore at her brown hair.

All the while as Nero now gazed on once more with a victorious smirk on his cruel lips.

"Now that is a splendid battle power." The geneticist stated in a gratified voice with his crimson eyes staring on in satisfaction.

And then the screaming girl jumped high above the flames with her combustionbending glowing brightly while the two firebenders gazed up at her in shock.

While the two warriors stood beside one another with their hardened eyes gazing up at the descending bomber.

Before their own firebending soon flared to life as they jumped backwards into the shattered remains of the fortress.

While what little remained of the military base began to explode under the force of the trio's firebending.

All while as blue and orange flames collided with a combustive green light while the sounds of deafening explosions erupted into the ears of the astonished bystanders.

And soon enough the soldiers began to back away with their eyes wide in fear.

Before they turned around and fled the destructive scene.

While their leader still stood gazing on at the explosive scene with an absolutely elated smile on his lips.

And the two noblewomen broke out into a run through the smoke with their young friend in hand.

While they gazed over their shoulder in still present awe as they watched the powerful explosions of firebending thunder into the air behind them.

"That girl! Her power is monstrous!" The markswoman exclaimed in a floored voice as she sprinted through the inferno.

While the acrobat gazed back with her mouth ajar in shock while she held her little sister's wrist in hand.

"I-it's him! He's the reason why Katsu is so angered by the sight of Azula-sama's flames! They must have tortured her with a blue flame when they were experimenting on her!" The handmaid explained in a distraught voice while her big sister's eyes gazed on in understanding.

Just before she quickly pulled her hand free from the acrobat's wrist while the two nobles turned to stare back at her in alarm.

"Elle! Where are you going!" The acrobat shouted with worry lacing her sisterly voice while the young girl gazed back at them.

"I can't just leave her to suffer like this! Katsu is innocent! She shouldn't have to live as a weapon!" Elle called out as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her while her big sisters gazed on in disbelief.

But the two highborn women knew better than to protest their young friend's compassionate nature.

"Damn it kid! You're too generous for your own good!" Mai complained as she sprinted back after the girl while her wary eyes watched the green light explode in the distance.

"Wait for us Elle!" Ty Lee yelled as she jumped after the girl with her pink soles darting through the snow.

All the while as Katsu bounded high in the air above a collapsing building with her pony tail swaying madly behind her with her entire body glowing an ominous green hue.

While Azula and Zoe stood their ground as they jumped down with their eyes still expressing their shock over the girl's released power.

Just as the girl began to drop down above them once more while her lips curved into an expression of madness.

"Life…is an explosion!" The bomber screamed with her arms held out at her sides while the two taken aback firebenders gaped up at her.

And then not a moment after that a thunderous explosion rocketed throughout the landscape with the bomber's shouts ringing out into the air in unison.

While numerous explosions of blue and red firebending were fired off in response.

All the while as Elle gazed up in the skies with her amber eyes wide in fright.

While Mai and Ty Lee stared into the explosion with unnerved expressions in their startled eyes.

And in the near distance…

Naoki watched from a nearby snowy hill with her brown eyes never expressing even the slightest hint of emotion.

While her red hair blew in her eyes as she calmly listened to the thunderous explosion detonate in her ears.

And not too far away from the destroyed fortress…

Rieko stood with her arms folded gracefully over her uniformed breasts while her icy blue eyes gazed at the image of her monitor going to static in approval.

While numerous servants stood with their heads bowed faithfully behind her.

All the while as her lips formed a contemplative smirk as she turned to regard a numbered reading on a computer screen.

"My…these children certainly are something to behold." The emperor remarked with a gloved finger curling underneath her thoughtful chin.

While her servants stood silent with their arms bowed over their chests as she let out a soft laugh.

"Victoria, see to it that you recruit both of them." Rieko commanded as she turned to idly glance over her shoulder at her bowing subject.

While the woman lowered to the ground with her head bent in a show of immeasurable reverence.

"It shall be done Lord. I shall relay the message to Andromeda. She is due to arrive with her air force any moment now." Victoria spoke in an obedient voice with a soft smile on her lips while she gazed up at her master's statuesque back.

"Good. I must have them. Most especially Naoki." The emperor stated with a hum while her blue eyes took on something akin to the gaze of an obsessed collector.

While she took a refined drink of wine with her tyrannical eyes turning to gaze out her window.

All the while as her ship continued to rapidly soar through the air with her fleet soaring at the forefront.

[sciencenewsforstudents]

In mid-December, some people in the central Chinese city of Wuhan began complaining of flu and pneumonia-like symptoms. Some had a high fever. Doctors were perplexed. To find out what might be causing their illness, geneticists analyzed the DNA of the virus that had infected them. At once, the scientists realized this virus was new to science. As of January 23, experts at the World Health Organization, or WHO, in Geneva, Switzerland, estimated that at least 557 people have contracted the rapidly spreading disease. At least 17 have died.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is Director-General of the WHO. At a January 23 news conference he said: “Make no mistake, this [disease outbreak] is an emergency in China.” Although it “has not yet become a global health emergency,” he says, “it may yet become one.”

Exercising caution before declaring an emergency makes sense, says Jennifer Nuzzo. She’s an epidemiologist, or disease detective. She works at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, Md. Researchers are still trying to work out how infectious, and how dangerous, the virus really is, she explains. And, she adds, “I’m glad they’re taking their time.” Right now, she says, “A decision to declare an emergency will signal a level of concern that we don’t have the data to support.”

The new germ appears to be a novel coronavirus (Kuh-RO-nuh-VY-rus). One germ that can cause the common cold comes from that virus family. So do the viruses behind MERS and SARS. Both of those diseases have triggered frightening global outbreaks over the past two decades. Virus experts now worry that the new coronavirus may be poised to do the same.

Chinese researchers used genetic material from one patient to identify the new virus. The World Health Organization has given this germ the uninspired name 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV.

“Anytime there’s a novel virus that appears that’s causing critical illness, it merits concern,” says Amesh Adalja. “Right now, there’s no cause for panic.” An infectious disease physician, he too works at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Both Nuzzo and Adalja hope this outbreak sparks renewed interest in studying coronaviruses and in creating vaccines and treatments. “It’s been 17 years since SARS, and we still don’t have any coronavirus vaccine. We don’t have any coronavirus antivirals,” Adalja says. “The only way we can take outbreaks like these off the table is to develop countermeasures against them.”

What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV? Who is most at risk? Who is most likely to die of it? “We don’t know a whole lot at this point,” says Jennifer Nuzzo. “It seems to be a novel coronavirus that can produce viral pneumonia,” she notes. Pneumonia is a lung infection. It can cause coughing, fever and trouble breathing.

“The confirmation that human-to-human spread with this virus is occurring in Asia certainly raises our level of concern,” says Nancy Messonnier. She directs the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. That’s part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Ga. Says Messonnier, CDC believes the risk “to the American public at large remains low at this time.”

For now, Chinese authorities are taking big efforts to slow the spread of the virus. On January 23, they locked down the city of Wuhan — home to nearly 11 million people. They halted all air, train and bus travel out of the city. Several other nearby cities also are closed. That’s a big deal as this outbreak emerged at the outset of nationwide travel for the lunar New Year on January 25. That’s when people throughout China get together to celebrate with friends and family.

Elsewhere throughout the world, many airports that receive a lot of visitors from China have stepped up their screening of arriving passengers.

Infected patients seen far from Wuhan

Cases of the new disease have been reported in people who had traveled from the Chinese mainland to Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and South Korea. On January 21, the CDC also confirmed the first case of the disease in the United States. A man had returned home to the United States from Wuhan six days earlier. When he sought treatment at a hospital in Washington state, the staff collected a sample from the patient. They sent it to the CDC. The agency used PCR technology to analyze DNA from the sample. This confirmed it was the same virus now spreading through China.

Scientists are now trying to understand how dangerous the virus is. How sick most of the infected people become also is unclear. So far, details about the condition of patients in China have not been widely shared, says Adalja. For instance, “Are they requiring oxygen therapy? Intravenous fluids? Those types of questions are really important in helping us know where to place this outbreak in terms of risk.”

Also unclear, Nuzzo says, is exactly how the virus spreads. “Can a sick person easily transmit the disease when they’re out in the community? Or can it only be transmitted in risky situations, for example, when a health care worker is caring for a patient and their personal protective equipment fails?”

And one of the biggest questions: Where did the disease come from? The suspicion is it came from some animal. Many times, animals can harbor a virus without themselves becoming sick. Did that happen here?

The first people reported to have 2019-nCoV became sick after visiting a Wuhan seafood market. But it didn’t just sell fish and shellfish. It also sold a number of wild animals, such as wolves, as food. Might one such animal be the source?

A more provocative suggestion is that the virus came from snakes.

On January 22, the Journal of Medical Virology published a paper suggesting that the germ’s DNA appears to be a mishmash of a known bat coronavirus and another coronavirus that is unknown. In this paper, researchers from four Chinese research centers reported that “snake is the most probable wildlife animal reservoir for the 2019‐nCoV.” They based it on snake genetic material. They conclude, there may have been “cross-species transmission from snake to humans.”

But some virus experts dispute that conclusion. “You should be massively skeptical of a snake” as the source, says Edward Holmes. He’s a virologist in Australia at the University of Sydney. Indeed, he challenges what the authors make of their new analysis. “Their own data doesn’t support their conclusions,” he charges.

“I can’t categorically say it’s never happened” — the transmission of a virus from a snake to humans. After all, he notes, “I don’t know every virus. But the reservoirs for human viruses are mainly mammals and maybe birds.” As such, he suspects, “it’s most likely that the reservoir host of that virus is a bat, given where it [its genome] falls on the evolutionary tree.” Certainly, he says, “It’s close to bat viruses.”

[femininenachos]

Ummmm why did I just read those MAGA snippets I could read a lot more of that! Gahhh you’re so good

(I’d been sitting on publishing this ask until I wrote more - thanks!)

Previously on Make America Gay Again: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

~~*~~

They meet on an old battleground.

From a distance, Lexa spots Clarke huddled on a stone bench in front of the monument to pioneering geneticist and Polis’s most contentious daughter, Dr Becca Alie.

Erected five years ago, the statue was a flashpoint for a rowdy rabble of fundies and other ultra-conservative protesters. The so-called “moral majority” whose vocal objections to city funds being used to celebrate someone they blamed for “tearing apart the fabric of society” and causing the “imminent destruction of the human race” were perfect fodder for typically sensationalist Fox News headlines. All because Dr Alie’s research led to groundbreaking advances in DNA splicing that enabled any two (or more) people to combine their genetic material to produce viable biological offspring. It was an enormous step forward in reproductive equality for the LGBTQ+ community, those in polyamorous relationships, and others unable to conceive via conventional methods. Dr Alie earned a Nobel prize for her work—and the eternal condemnation of the religious right.

But the worst part of the whole spectacle for Lexa, the aspect she’s never been able to reconcile or forgive, was that her father had played a significant role in stoking the outrage, inciting his supporters to protest with grotesque, vitriolic zeal.

It was enough to convince her to stay in the closet indefinitely.

While the controversy raged for many months, the Mayor’s office refused to bow down to public pressure to remove the statue. In the end, they put up a protective barrier around the tall obelisk—nicknamed “the turkey baster” by Buzzfeed, on account of its unfortunate resemblance. Not that the fence has been much of a deterrent to vandals; the parks department spends thousands of tax dollars a year scrubbing off hateful phrases daubed in spray paint (another point of contention amongst the critics when that funding could be more productively allocated elsewhere).

But today, at least, the gleaming marble is untarnished by graffiti and Lexa takes that, and the clear blue skies, as a positive sign.

Despite the bright morning sunshine, a thin layer of frost tips the grass, the temperature having dropped sharply in the last few days as the year inches further into fall. All the same, Clarke looks cozily appealing bundled up in a beanie, scarf and army surplus parka, gloved hands tucked between her thighs to ward against the chill.

Gathering herself, Lexa approaches with brisk steps, her breath escaping in small puffs of steam as it meets the crisp, colder air.

“Hello, Clarke.”

The other woman startles visibly as Lexa enters her field of vision, holding out a disposable coffee cup. Wide blue eyes flit from the ubiquitous green mermaid logo on the side up to Lexa’s face.

“You probably consider this evil capitalist swill but Starbucks was en route and, since it’s freezing, I thought…” Lexa trails off and offers a tight smile. “Anyway, I didn’t know how you like your coffee, if you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, so I erred on the side of caution. A soy latte. Sorry it’s not kombucha or whatever the cool kids are into these days.”

Clarke stares for a second as though perplexed by Lexa’s entire existence. Normally, she’s smoother than this but something about being in Clarke’s presence causes the regimented poise that was instilled in Lexa from a young age to desert her.

A slow blink. “Uh… thanks.”

Clarke’s brows knit together and she eyes Lexa, then the cup with suspicion. She takes the offering so gingerly that Lexa has to snort.

“It isn’t poisoned.”

“Wasn’t my first thought but good to know. It was more the bribery angle that concerned me.”

“I’d be disappointed if someone as principled as you could be so easily bought.”

Clarke bites her lip then, clearly tamping down on a smile, and the sight makes Lexa’s stomach swoop. That, coupled with the faint splash of pink across pale cheeks, warms her far more effectively than the cup cradled in her hands.

“Besides,” Lexa adds dryly. “I bailed you out, remember? You’re already in my debt.”

It’s intended as a joke but she sees Clarke cringe.

“Yeah… About that night. I never thanked you for—”

Lexa waves it off. “No need. I would’ve doubted my intentions too if I was in your place.”

“Still. Thanks.”

Lexa acknowledges the gratitude with a tilt of her head.

She nods towards the empty spot on the bench. “May I?”

Clarke scoots along an inch or two, although once seated Lexa finds she misjudged the available space. They’re too close, Lexa suddenly attuned to the pressure of Clarke’s shoulder and hip against her own, but neither move away.

“I hate kombucha,” Clarke drawls. “For future reference.”

Lexa looks over, watching Clarke blow on the cut-out lip in the plastic lid before taking a small swallow.

The corner of Lexa’s mouth twitches. “Noted.”

Clarke peers back at Lexa over the rim, studying her face, and that warm feeling spreads until Lexa averts her gaze, focusing instead on the pond where a bevy of swans and their cygnets glide across the still surface.

“And ‘kids’? You’re aware we’re in the same age bracket, right? Though the skirt suits say otherwise, boomer.”

Lexa purses her lips. Chances an eye roll.

“My stepmother. She’s in control of every aspect of my image, from the way my hair is styled, down to the pumps on my feet. Sometimes I wonder, am I even a legitimate lesbian if I don’t own a single item of flannel? Will I get thrown out the club? Be forced to turn in my membership card?”

Clarke’s short, surprised burst of husky laughter fills Lexa with a greater sense of accomplishment than it probably warrants. After all, she graduated magna cum laude and is considered the best markswoman at the fiercely competitive Polis Ladies Rifle Association. So why does it feel like the highest accolade to make a pretty girl laugh?

“Come on. You don’t need to, like,” Clarke gestures vaguely at Lexa’s general appearance, “chop off your hair or wear plaid or conform to tired old stereotypes to be out-and-proud. The only requirement is to love women, openly and unapologetically.”

A sigh. “I’m hardly proud, Clarke.”

“Well, baby steps.”

The gentle press of a hand on Lexa’s knee is unexpected but not at all unwelcome.

(She’s so desperately touch-starved that a simple gesture of queer solidarity makes her tingle all over. She prays to God the gay panic doesn’t show on her face.)

“You’ll get there someday.”

Silence stretches. Clarke’s hand remains where it is, curved around Lexa’s kneecap like it belongs there. Warm and solid; an anchor.

“I wasn’t sure you were going to show up,” Clarke says, after what feels like ages. “Raven bet me twenty bucks you’d get cold feet.”

“Raven?”

“An associate,” is all Clarke offers.

She licks her chapped bottom lip and Lexa can’t prevent her eyes from tracking the movement, a little jolt going through her as she watches the tip of Clarke’s tongue dart over the silver piercing, something that’s figured prominently in Lexa’s thoughts since they arranged this clandestine meeting over the phone. Over the past several days, she kept catching herself daydreaming. About the lip ring; about Clarke, more generally. Face flushing whenever anyone remarked on the unusual absence of her characteristic sharp focus. Playing it off as tiredness. With Dad’s campaign ramping up in these final weeks before the people go to the polls, it wasn’t an outright lie.

Even now, with Clarke sitting right next to her, Lexa is in a haze. Completely distracted by the freckle above Clarke’s lip, the little stud on her left nostril, the ring of darker blue around her irises, the slight quirk of an eyebrow. Clarke is so attractive and Lexa is in so much trouble, heart rate kicking up another notch when the hand on her knee shifts fractionally higher, squeezing once.

“I think you’re braver than anyone gives you credit for, Lexa.”

A beat passes before Lexa pulls in an uneven breath. “Truthfully? I hadn’t made up my mind until an hour ago.”

Their eyes lock.

“But I’m glad I came.”

Clarke’s expression softens.

She nods, “Me too.”

They share a small, secretive smile, although they’re the only two people around to witness it.

“Alright then…” Lexa lifts her chin and wills some steel back into her voice. “How do you propose we put an end to my father’s political career?”

Part 7

[arcticdementor]

This is going to sound like trolling but I'm honestly perplexed at how anyone could read something like this and not see a civilization at the brink of collapse. I also believe---in spite of the media's attempts to paint Japan's ongoing demographic collapse as the result of some flaw inherent to Japanese culture---that Japan's merely the first and most visible victim of a monster that will soon swallow the rest of the developed world. We read a lot of articles about Japan's impending demise but there's a dozen other countries with lower fertility, most of them in Europe. I often hear, mostly from environmentalists, that the world's population is too great and that this is a good thing. Packed within that statement is the assumption, often explicitly stated when you press them to elaborate, that the population will stabilize once it reaches a healthy number. The concept of a death spirals or snowball effect never seems to occur. The belief that human beings are merely finitely interchangeable bodies is also pervasive; population growth is bad and population collapse is good, regardless of where it happens. The death of a Japanese geneticist or AI researcher is perfectly offset by the birth of a future subsistence farmer being born in Malawi. There's so much that can be said on this subject but there's very little intelligent discussion about it; the most interesting insight you're likely to encounter online is an explanation of the effects of an increasingly aging population and a shrinking labor force and taxpayer base. What concerns me the most is that there doesn't seem to be a viable solution to this short of a technological miracle like the sort we usually rely on to save our bacon when we overextend ourselves. (Fuck you Malthus) For this purpose that means either a cure for aging or a combination of certain reproductive technologies such as exo-wombs, accelerated gestation etc. Subsidies have been tried and seem to have at best little effect. The government can choose to keep increasing the amount until we reach the magical fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, but in our peskily democratic countries that means there has to be a lot of political support to use public funds to pay other people to have kids. That might prove difficult not only because of the aforementioned environmentalists but also due the fact that that after certain threshold is reached low fertility seems to be self-perpetuating. The way low-fertility societies create people that do not cherish children, see them as an inconvenience or even actively despise them is worrying. I've come to believe that the low fertility in developed countries is probably a greater threat to technological civilization than climate change and seem to be quite alone in that belief.

“Eryemil”

[controlledhues]

@executive-geneticist​ from this lovely answer [x]

❝I-... I absolutely agree with you, sir. My apologies for, uh-... that.❞ Melinoë joked awkwardly, hands tightly clasped in the door frame as she tried to hide her embarrassment of her recent assumption. At least, it was something to laugh about after the disappointment of the failed tasks earlier that day.

His question left her perplexed for a few seconds, in those she felt an intense heat go through her face. Pretending or not that some improper thoughts went through her head, Mel found herself in a dilemma. Being sincere about what went wrong could definitely make him angry, but finding some kind of weird comfort in his words was something more than needed for her since they ever met.

❝Mind if I enter, sir? I wouldn’t like if someone else hears our conversation-... o-or at least what I need to tell you. It is… something important for work, but also for myself. I mean, everything in this place is highly important for myself. Don’t get me wrong. But I-... ah, I don’t even understand why I find myself so nervous about this… Should I close the door?❞

[liliannorman]

Serious virus emerges in China and is spreading globally

In mid-December, some people in the central Chinese city of Wuhan began complaining of flu and pneumonia-like symptoms. Some had a high fever. Doctors were perplexed. To find out what might be causing their illness, geneticists analyzed the DNA of the virus that had infected them. At once, the scientists realized this virus was new to science. As of January 23, experts at the World Health Organization, or WHO, in Geneva, Switzerland, estimated that at least 557 people have contracted the rapidly spreading disease. At least 17 have died.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is Director-General of the WHO. At a January 23 news conference he said: “Make no mistake, this [disease outbreak] is an emergency in China.” Although it “has not yet become a global health emergency,” he says, “it may yet become one.”

Exercising caution before declaring an emergency makes sense, says Jennifer Nuzzo. She’s an epidemiologist, or disease detective. She works at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, Md. Researchers are still trying to work out how infectious, and how dangerous, the virus really is, she explains. And, she adds, “I’m glad they’re taking their time.” Right now, she says, “A decision to declare an emergency will signal a level of concern that we don’t have the data to support.”

Explainer: What is a coronavirus?

The new germ appears to be a novel coronavirus (Kuh-RO-nuh-VY-rus). One germ that can cause the common cold comes from that virus family. So do the viruses behind MERS and SARS. Both of those diseases have triggered frightening global outbreaks over the past two decades. Virus experts now worry that the new coronavirus may be poised to do the same.

Chinese researchers used genetic material from one patient to identify the new virus. The World Health Organization has given this germ the uninspired name 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV.

“Anytime there’s a novel virus that appears that’s causing critical illness, it merits concern,” says Amesh Adalja. “Right now, there’s no cause for panic.” An infectious disease physician, he too works at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Both Nuzzo and Adalja hope this outbreak sparks renewed interest in studying coronaviruses and in creating vaccines and treatments. “It’s been 17 years since SARS, and we still don’t have any coronavirus vaccine. We don’t have any coronavirus antivirals,” Adalja says. “The only way we can take outbreaks like these off the table is to develop countermeasures against them.”

What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV? Who is most at risk? Who is most likely to die of it? “We don’t know a whole lot at this point,” says Jennifer Nuzzo. “It seems to be a novel coronavirus that can produce viral pneumonia,” she notes. Pneumonia is a lung infection. It can cause coughing, fever and trouble breathing.

“The confirmation that human-to-human spread with this virus is occurring in Asia certainly raises our level of concern,” says Nancy Messonnier. She directs the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. That’s part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta, Ga. Says Messonnier, CDC believes the risk “to the American public at large remains low at this time.”

For now, Chinese authorities are taking big efforts to slow the spread of the virus. On January 23, they locked down the city of Wuhan — home to nearly 11 million people. They halted all air, train and bus travel out of the city. Several other nearby cities also are closed. That’s a big deal as this outbreak emerged at the outset of nationwide travel for the lunar New Year on January 25. That’s when people throughout China get together to celebrate with friends and family.

Elsewhere throughout the world, many airports that receive a lot of visitors from China have stepped up their screening of arriving passengers.

Infected patients seen far from Wuhan

Explainer: How PCR works

Cases of the new disease have been reported in people who had traveled from the Chinese mainland to Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and South Korea. On January 21, the CDC also confirmed the first case of the disease in the United States. A man had returned home to the United States from Wuhan six days earlier. When he sought treatment at a hospital in Washington state, the staff collected a sample from the patient. They sent it to the CDC. The agency used PCR technology to analyze DNA from the sample. This confirmed it was the same virus now spreading through China.

Scientists are now trying to understand how dangerous the virus is. How sick most of the infected people become also is unclear. So far, details about the condition of patients in China have not been widely shared, says Adalja. For instance, “Are they requiring oxygen therapy? Intravenous fluids? Those types of questions are really important in helping us know where to place this outbreak in terms of risk.”

Chinese residents often wore masks to filter out air pollution. Now many are turning to such masks to protect them from possible exposure to the new 2019-nCoV virus.FangXiaNuo/E+/Getty Images

Also unclear, Nuzzo says, is exactly how the virus spreads. “Can a sick person easily transmit the disease when they’re out in the community? Or can it only be transmitted in risky situations, for example, when a health care worker is caring for a patient and their personal protective equipment fails?”

And one of the biggest questions: Where did the disease come from? The suspicion is it came from some animal. Many times, animals can harbor a virus without themselves becoming sick. Did that happen here?

The first people reported to have 2019-nCoV became sick after visiting a Wuhan seafood market. But it didn’t just sell fish and shellfish. It also sold a number of wild animals, such as wolves, as food. Might one such animal be the source?

A more provocative suggestion is that the virus came from snakes.

On January 22, the Journal of Medical Virology published a paper suggesting that the germ’s DNA appears to be a mishmash of a known bat coronavirus and another coronavirus that is unknown. In this paper, researchers from four Chinese research centers reported that “snake is the most probable wildlife animal reservoir for the 2019‐nCoV.” They based it on snake genetic material. They conclude, there may have been “cross-species transmission from snake to humans.”

Explainer: Animals’ role in human disease

But some virus experts dispute that conclusion. “You should be massively skeptical of a snake” as the source, says Edward Holmes. He’s a virologist in Australia at the University of Sydney. Indeed, he challenges what the authors make of their new analysis. “Their own data doesn’t support their conclusions,” he charges.

“I can’t categorically say it’s never happened” — the transmission of a virus from a snake to humans. After all, he notes, “I don’t know every virus. But the reservoirs for human viruses are mainly mammals and maybe birds.” As such, he suspects, “it’s most likely that the reservoir host of that virus is a bat, given where it [its genome] falls on the evolutionary tree.” Certainly, he says, “It’s close to bat viruses.”

Serious virus emerges in China and is spreading globally published first on https://triviaqaweb.tumblr.com/

[sashaalexlessinphd-blog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpT7JpEOypo

 ANUNNAKI HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS: Prelude to Present Perplexities

Click https://wp.me/p1TVCy-5gy and learn more with pictures, article, references

Click https://wp.me/p1TVCy-5gy and learn more with pictures, article, references

From: ANUNNAKI, LEGACY OF THE GODS * by Sasha Alex Lessin, Ph.D. (Anthropology, UCLA) & Janet Kira Lessin (CEO, Aquarian Radio)

Giant Anunnaki geneticists from the planet Nibiru blessed, cursed and challenged us when, 300,000 years ago, they parented us with their DNA and that of Homo erectus.  Then they trained us and modeled the paradigm that dominates minds of the masses. Recently, the Anunnaki proclaim their new deal: “harmony and understanding, sympathy abounding, no more falsehoods or derisions…” , the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.

ANUNNAKI & ANCIENT ANTHROPOLOGY EVIDENCE, REFERENCES, TIMELINE & WHO’S WHO

Evidence https://wp.me/p1TVCy-1zg

References http://wp.me/p1TVCy-2cq

Timeline http://wp.me/p1TVCy-1Km

Who’s Who http://wp.me/p1TVCy-1PE

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[fitnesshealthyoga-blog]

New Post has been published on https://fitnesshealthyoga.com/scientists-just-found-the-oldest-evidence-of-plague-in-the-bones-of-a-neolithic-woman/

Scientists Just Found The Oldest Evidence of Plague, in The Bones of a Neolithic Woman

A new discovery has pushed the timeline of the plague in Europe back even earlier than we had previously thought. A new strain of  the Yersinia pestis bacterium has been identified in 4,900-year-old bones in a Neolithic burial site in Sweden.

  It’s the oldest strain ever identified, and the most basal we’ve seen – that is, the closest strain to the genetic origin of the bacterium.

Y. pestis has been an absolute blight on humanity throughout history, repeatedly wiping out vast swathes of the population.

It was responsible for the Plague of Justinian that broke out 541 CE, ultimately killing 25-50 million people; the Black Death of the 14th century, which wiped out 75 to 200 million people across Eurasia; the Great Plague of London of 1665-1666 CE, which killed 100,000 people, nearly a quarter of the city’s population, in just 18 months; and the Third Pandemic, which broke out in 1855 and killed 12 million people in India and China.

“Plague is maybe one of the deadliest bacteria that has ever existed for humans,” said geneticist Simon Rasmussen of the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Copenhagen.

“The kind of analyses we do here let us go back through time and look at how this pathogen that’s had such a huge effect on us evolved.”

The discovery of Y. pestis in the bones of a 20-year-old Neolithic woman suggests the plague spread across Europe much earlier than previously thought, according to the new research.

  It was only a few months ago that a different team of researchers announced they had found the oldest ever unambiguous evidence of the plague to date – in the bones of people who lived on the Eurasian steppe 3,800 years ago.

Other research earlier this year also found a migration route for the Plague of Justinian that suggested a Mongolian origin.

But if the bacteria spread across Europe earlier, that could help explain a mystery that has long perplexed scientists – namely, the disappearance of the early European farmers.

These were people who had migrated from the Middle East starting around 9,000 years ago, and they congregated in settlements of up to 20,000 people. These people – called the Trypillia Culture – developed technology, such as pottery, the wheel and metallurgy, and they kept livestock.

But around 5,400 years ago, they just… disappeared. Their settlements stopped being built, and there was a drastic change in the genome starting about 4,500 years ago, suggesting a new influx of people from the steppe, which eventually replaced the Trypillia Culture.

So what happened to the Trypillians? It’s a baffling mystery with many potential explanations that have been hotly debated. Perhaps they merely assimilated into other incoming cultures. Perhaps they were conquered. Perhaps their resources ran out and they had to move on.

  But Rasmussen and his team believe it could have been something else. The strain of Y. pestis they found in Sweden diverged from the other strains around 5,700 years ago – before the influx of steppe populations.

Those huge Trypillian settlements, with no proper sanitation, and with humans living in close quarters with animals, could have been amazing breeding grounds for pathogens. The plague could have evolved right there in those European settlements.

“We think our data fit. If plague evolved in the mega-settlements, then when people started dying from it, the settlements would have been abandoned and destroyed,” Rasmussen said.

“This is exactly what was observed in these settlements after 5,500 years ago. Plague would also have started migrating along all the trade routes made possible by wheeled transport, which had rapidly expanded throughout Europe in this period.”

And those trade routes are how the plague could have ended up in Sweden 4,900 years ago.

But at this point, these hypotheses are far from definitive, particularly because Y. pestis has not yet been identified in any Trypillian remains or settlement sites. That’s the next step in the research.

“We haven’t really found the smoking gun, but it’s partly because we haven’t looked yet,” Rasmussen said. “And we’d really like to do that, because if we could find plague in those settlements, that would be strong support for this theory.”

The team’s research has been published in the journal Cell.

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[swissforextrading]

Mystery solved: The bacterial protein that kills male fruit flies

07.05.18 - An endosymbiotic bacterium, Spiroplasma, specifically kills the males of its fruit-fly host (Drosophila). This has perplexed biologists since the 1950’s, but EPFL scientists have now solved the mystery by identifying the gene behind this gender-specific killing. In the fifties, geneticists were faced with a mystery: when two strains of the same fruit fly species (Drosophila) crossed, they only produced female flies instead of the expected 50:50 sex ratio. At first, scientists thought that what lay behind this was a genetic mutation, but it was later discovered that the cause was a hidden bacterium, Spiroplasma poulsonii. Spiroplasma is an endosymbiotic bacterium that lives in the fruit fly’s blood and is passed on to it offspring through the female’s oocytes. This bacterium remains largely hidden from its host but induces a fascinating reproductive manipulation: the specific killing of male embryos. Male-killing Spiroplasma bacteria in the hemolymph of an adult Drosophila fruitfly. Credit: Toshiyuki Harumoto/EPFL The existence of male-killer bacteria appear at first sight puzzling, but studies have shown that it promotes the long-term persistence of the symbiotic bacteria by increasing the frequency of infected females who then transmit the bacteria to their offspring. Male-killing is not restricted to Spiroplasma but is also observed in several other endosymbiotic bacteria. The molecular mechanism underlying this process has however never been clarified. The original idea was that Spiroplasma produces an “androcidin” toxin, which kills males. But despite several attempts, the identity of this of this male killer has remained a mystery. Now, Professor Bruno Lemaitre and Dr Toshiyuki Harumoto at EPFL have identified the elusive male-killing bacterial factor, solving the mystery. In a Nature paper, they reveal that the culprit is a protein that they name Spaid (for Spiroplasma poulsonii androcidin). The gene for Spaid is known to encode a protein that has particular structural characteristics needed for its localization and activity inside the bacterium (ankyrin repeats and de-ubiquitinase domains). The scientists found that just expressing Spaid in fruit flies was enough to recreate all the phenotypes associated with male killing in the insect. Consistent with a function in male killing, Spaid specifically binds to the X chromosome of male embryos. The authors speculate that Spaid interferes with a “male-specific process”, such as a mechanism that increases the transcription of genes on the X chromosome (males have one X chromosome, while females have two). Finally, the scientists discovered a strain of the Spiroplasma bacterium with a mutation in the Spaid gene, which showed a reduced ability to kill males. “To our knowledge, Spaid is the first bacterial effector protein identified to date that affects host cellular machinery in a sex-specific manner,” says Harumoto. “And it is also, to our knowledge again, the first paper to identify an insect endosymbiont factor causing male killing. As such, we expect that it will have a big impact on the fields of symbiosis, sex determination and evolution.” Nik Papageorgiou http://actu.epfl.ch/news/mystery-solved-the-bacterial-protein-that-kills-ma (Source of the original content)

[enzaime-blog]

LBSL while keeping her symptoms at bay

New Story has been published on https://enzaime.com/lbsl-keeping-symptoms-bay/

LBSL while keeping her symptoms at bay

Ellie McGinn is an adorably sweet and charming third-grader from Arlington, Va., who has a progressive neurological disease known as LBSL. Although there is currently no cure or long-term treatment, researchers at Kennedy Krieger are working with her family to find the key to curing Ellie, while keeping her symptoms at bay.

When Ellie was a toddler, she began falling down and suffering from pain and fatigue. Her parents, Michael and Beth McGinn, took her to multiple specialists to find out what was wrong. Neurologists were perplexed—none had seen a case like Ellie’s. Over the next six months, Ellie’s ability to walk deteriorated. When a doctor finally diagnosed her, the news was grim. Ellie had a rare, neurodegenerative disorder known as LBSL (short for leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation).

Doctors gave the family little hope. There was no treatment, they were told, and children with this disorder rarely live into adulthood. LBSL, a type of leukodystrophy, affects the function of mitochondria in the brain—which can be thought of as the ‘energy factories’ in our cells—and damages the white matter in the central nervous system. Ellie would need a walker by age 8, and by the time she was a teenager she would be in a wheelchair. “I just remember sobbing and pleading with the doctor to please tell me there is something we can do,” recalls Beth. “She just kept shaking her head no, ‘I’m sorry, there is nothing we can do.’”

Hope

Doing nothing was not an option for the McGinns. The family began researching, and found Kennedy Krieger Institute, where they brought Ellie for a consultation. The McGinns soon realized they were in a place unlike any other. While other doctors told the McGinns nothing could be done to help their little girl, doctors at Kennedy Krieger said they were willing to try.

Ellie Smiling

The family met with a team of Kennedy Krieger doctors, including a mitochondrial specialist, as well as neurologist SakkuBai Naidu, MD, and geneticist Hilary Vernon, MD, PhD. They told the McGinns that while they couldn’t fix Ellie’s genetic disorder, they believed they could help. After a genetic workup, they prescribed a tailor-made “cocktail” of vitamins and antioxidants targeted to the dysfunction in Ellie’s mitochondria.

The treatment seemed to work. Within weeks, her appetite and energy improved. After several months her walking improved, and within 18 months her leg spasms, wobbly knees, and falling down mostly disappeared. Ellie went from not being able to walk across the room without falling to being able to walk everywhere.

It felt like nothing less than a miracle to the McGinns. “I can’t even put into words how grateful I am to Kennedy Krieger … for seeing how they could improve Ellie’s life and give her the best chance,” says Beth. Five years later, Ellie’s problems have not returned. But although the treatment is working, it is not a cure, and doctors know little about the effectiveness of this therapy in the long term.

Rallying Together

There are less than 100 known cases of LBSL worldwide. With rare diseases like Ellie’s, it is nearly impossible to garner interest in research funding from government or pharmaceutical companies. So as Ellie’s health stabilized, the McGinns began shifting their focus to raising money for research. Family, friends, and the community rallied to help, donating their time, energy, and support. The McGinns started a foundation, A Cure for Ellie, and began sharing their story with the media, holding fundraisers, and launching social media efforts. Through the foundation’s website, Beth connected with families of children diagnosed with LBSL in other countries who were interested in joining forces. She also told them about the mitochondrial cocktail that was helping Ellie, and connected them with doctors. There are now kids all over the world who are on this cocktail, and their families say it is helping. Families who were told there was no hope are now finding power in numbers and strength in each other. And it all started with Ellie.

With some initial funds raised, the McGinns needed a place to put it. Inspired by Ellie and the determination of the McGinn family, Kennedy Krieger neurogenetic specialist and researcher Ali Fatemi, MD, director of the Moser Center for Leukodystrophies, agreed to take on the search for Ellie’s cure. “The McGinns are an exceptionally committed family,” says Dr. Fatemi. “They are not giving up.”

Dr. Fatemi has devised a research plan that involves some of the most pioneering techniques in neuroscience, from nanomedicine to stem cell therapy and gene editing. He is collaborating with colleagues here and at the Johns Hopkins Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, as well as experts from around the world. The plan involves first developing animal models with Ellie’s disease, creating and experimenting with stem cell derived brain cells in a culture dish, and ultimately conducting a clinical trial. It will take at least three to five years of research, conducted in several milestones, and will require more than two million dollars in funding. But each milestone reached will be one step closer to a cure for children like Ellie.

“To have someone of Dr. Fatemi’s caliber take an interest in Ellie, and all the other children with LBSL, is like a dream come true,” says Beth. “I feel lucky—incredibly lucky—to have him on our side. …We have so much hope for the future.”

For Beth, it’s hard to reconcile the pain of knowing her child has a degenerative disease with the knowledge that, because of this disease, Ellie is giving hope to so many others. “I believe 100 percent that this happened to Ellie so that she can save other children…she already is. And while I wish I could take it away from her, I believe that everything that has happened up until this point is meant to be.”

Targeting the Damaged Cells

Dr. Fatemi is an expert in neurogenetic disorders and leukodystrophies, and has focused much of his work on a type of leukodystrophy known as adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD. Although ALD and LBSL are not the same disease, they are related, and Dr. Fatemi believes that finding a treatment for one may lead to the treatment for the other.

Ellie with her parents, sister, and doctors

He and his colleagues are investigating whether the key to curing both disorders may lie in solving the same problem—delivering medication through the blood-brain barrier and into targeted cells in the brain. Researchers have found that an antioxidant compound has been shown to protect cells from the damage to white matter in the brain in animal models. However, in humans, very little of the medication can make it into the brain because it is unable to pass through the blood-brain barrier.

To bypass this problem, researchers are investigating whether a tiny spherical molecule with many branches, known as a dendrimer, could deliver the right dose of medication selectively to the affected cells in the nervous system. “Imagine a tiny Christmas tree with many branches, and the drug is put on the surface like ornaments,” says Dr. Fatemi. These nanoparticles are designed in a way that allows them to bypass most organs in the body and go selectively to cells that are injured by oxidative stress, which is a major culprit in mitochondrial diseases, and deliver medication that could protect or even reverse the cell damage in a targeted fashion.

This type of targeted nanotherapy has the potential to be used in other leukodystrophies and neurological disorders, among many other diseases. In addition to delivering medications, this technique could potentially one day be used to bring in “gene editing molecules” that could correct gene defects like the one that Ellie has. These are exciting possibilities, but a long way off. And in order to investigate potential cures like this, the McGinns and others who care about rare diseases need to raise enough money to fund the research.

A Race Against Time

Ellie’s worst symptoms have not returned and she is living a near normal life. If you met her, you might never guess that anything was wrong. She goes to school like every other child, and loves swimming, drawing, and above all, animals. But no one can predict how long her symptoms can be kept at bay. As children with LBSL grow, especially during the teen years, their disease progresses. Time is of the essence to raise money for research.

The McGinns are hopeful that Dr. Fatemi’s research will lead to a breakthrough during Ellie’s childhood. But they are prepared that it might not. No matter what happens, they will always be grateful to Kennedy Krieger for being willing to try.

A Tireless Advocate

Taylor Kane

Like the McGinns, Taylor Kane, 17, and her family are also fundraising for leukodystrophy research, albeit a different type. Taylor’s father, John Kane, passed away from an inherited brain disease known as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in 2003. Every year, the family holds a fundraiser to benefit ALD research at Kennedy Krieger.

Ann Moser with Taylor Kane, and her mom, Diane Kane, as they present a check for ALD research

Taylor has testified before legislators to implement ALD screening for newborns, a test that was developed by Kennedy Krieger Institute and recently recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to be added to newborn screening nationally. Newborn screening for ALD could save hundreds of lives every year by identifying the disease before symptoms develop. Taylor also advocates for female carriers of ALD, who deal with a unique set of concerns such as the knowledge that they may pass the disease to their children, which is fatal in boys. “A lot of people involved with ALD say ‘save the boys,’” Taylor says, “but I think it’s important to also remember the girls.” At 16, she founded the organization Young ALD Carriers (YAC), an online forum where female ALD carriers can meet each other, ask questions, share information, and find support. It includes more than 80 members from all over the world.

A young Taylor with her dad, John Kane

Taylor found out that she was a carrier of ALD when she was 12, and she’s grateful she found out when she did. Taylor went through genetic counseling at Kennedy Krieger when she was in seventh grade, and worked with a counselor who knew her dad from when he was a patient there.

Although Taylor was too young to remember much about her father before he was sick, those who knew him say she is a lot like him. “He loved helping people, and he could never see a problem and not try to help,” says Taylor. Taylor plans to study political communications at George Washington University, and her goal is to one day head an international nonprofit. “My ultimate hope would be to help find a cure for ALD so no other families will have to be torn apart by this disease.”