#genomic instability

[the-demigod-project]

Demigods & Their Legacy.

Demigod Reproduction: The Complex Dance of Apex DNA

While Demigods are extraordinary beings that surpass the physical and mental limitations of ordinary humans, their ability to reproduce is fraught with biological challenges. The very same qualities that make them powerful also create insurmountable barriers to natural reproduction, making the continuation of their lineage an improbable, almost impossible feat.

Why Demigods Cannot Reproduce with Humans:

The DNA of Demigods has been fundamentally altered, either through alien DNA infusion or advanced genetic engineering. This advanced DNA is incompatible with the relatively simple genetic structure of ordinary humans. Key factors contributing to this incompatibility include:

• Genetic Complexity: The DNA of Demigods is exponentially more complex than human DNA. Ordinary human genomes cannot "read" or process the foreign code of Demigod DNA, resulting in developmental failure during fertilization. The human egg or sperm is simply incapable of merging with the superior genetic material, as it lacks the mechanisms needed to accommodate such advanced biology.

• Immune Rejection: The human body instinctively treats the alien-Demigod DNA as a threat, triggering a rejection response. This rejection occurs at the molecular level, preventing successful conception or causing early developmental failure.

• Physiological Imbalances: Even if fertilization occurs, the immense biological differences would make the pregnancy unsustainable. The hybrid zygote would require far more energy and resources to develop than the human body can provide, leading to fatal complications for both the mother and the offspring.For these reasons, reproduction between Demigods and humans is not feasible, effectively isolating Demigods as a separate, genetically unique species.

Demigod-to-Demigod Reproduction: The Battle of Apex DNA

While reproduction between Demigods is theoretically possible, it is an equally challenging and rare phenomenon due to the advanced and highly competitive nature of their DNA.

• DNA Fighting for Dominance: When a male and female Demigod attempt to conceive, their DNA does not merge harmoniously. Instead, it competes. This "genetic war" occurs because both parental DNA strands are apex-level and refuse to yield dominance. Rather than working together to create a balanced genome for the offspring, the two DNA strands aggressively break down each other in an attempt to overwrite the other.

• Miscarriage and Cellular Breakdown: In most cases, the competitive nature of the DNA results in catastrophic failure. The zygote collapses during the early stages of cell division, leading to a miscarriage. The female's body often detects the instability of the embryo and terminates the pregnancy as a protective mechanism.

• High Energy Costs: Even if an embryo survives the initial stages of genetic competition, the strain on the mother’s body is immense. The developing fetus, containing apex DNA, would demand far more energy and nutrients than the mother could reasonably provide, leading to life-threatening complications. This immense toll discourages many Demigods from even attempting to reproduce.

• Low Success Rates: Across recorded cases, the success rate of Demigod-to-Demigod reproduction is estimated to be less than 1%. For every successful birth, countless others end in failure, making the process both emotionally and physically taxing for the parents.

The Rare Offspring of Demigods:

On the rare occasions when a Demigod couple does successfully reproduce, the resulting child is a being of extraordinary potential. These "second-generation Demigods" often display enhanced versions of their parents’ abilities, as their DNA has been selectively "refined" through the grueling reproductive process.

• Unpredictable Powers: Second-generation Demigods may inherit traits from both parents, but the powers they manifest are often unpredictable. The chaotic merging of apex DNA can create entirely new abilities or amplify existing ones to unimaginable levels.

• Biological Fragility: Despite their immense potential, second-generation Demigods are often biologically fragile during infancy. Their bodies require constant monitoring and care to ensure they survive the developmental process.

• Symbol of Hope or Danger: Due to their rarity, second-generation Demigods are often viewed as symbols of hope or the next step in the evolution of their kind. However, their unpredictability also makes them a potential threat, as they may possess powers beyond even the understanding of their parents or creators.

Unfortunately no known Second-Gen Demigod has made it past the infancy stage after birth. As such many have given up on Second-Gen Demigods.

Ethical and Practical Concerns:

The difficulties of Demigod reproduction are not only biological but also sociopolitical. Governments and corporations view Demigods as weapons, and the thought of them creating new, potentially uncontrollable beings raises serious ethical questions.

• Government Control: The two Empires of the world impose strict regulations on Demigods, preventing them from forming relationships or reproducing without oversight. These policies are designed to maintain control over the Demigod population (Of which only 43 exist world wide(U.S. is not included)) and prevent the emergence of rogue offspring.

• Moral Dilemmas: For Demigods themselves, the decision to reproduce is fraught with moral and emotional dilemmas. Knowing the likelihood of failure and the potential suffering involved, many choose to forgo reproduction altogether.

• Alternative Methods: Scientists have attempted to circumvent the challenges of natural reproduction by using artificial methods, such as cloning or gene-splicing, to create new Demigods. While these methods have seen some success, they raise even more ethical concerns about the commodification of life and the boundaries of science.

Conclusion:

The reproduction of Demigods represents the ultimate paradox: they are beings of immense power and potential, yet their biology often prevents them from passing on their legacy. This limitation isolates them further from humanity, reinforcing their status as weapons and tools rather than living beings with a future of their own. The rare success of Demigod reproduction remains a testament to the resilience of life, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the cost of power and the fragility of existence, even for those who seem invincible.

[the-consortium]

( from @codex-aetherium ):

A piece of what appears to be exceedingly old parchment appears on Fabius’ desk one morning. How it got there is unclear, but a quick glance makes it obvious it isn’t something that belonged to him. It is written in a dark blue ink with flecks of silver that catch the light at odd angles.

Chief Apothecary Bile,

I hope this letter finds you well, and at least in a good enough mood to grant a stranger a small favor.

I am lead to believe you are or have employed an individual known as Herik Stymphalos. I know you’re asking yourself why I would want to associate with such a person, and the answer is quite simple. I am an Astartes of the XV Legion and was greatly affected by the Flesh Change. More specifically, my body has transformed into what I can only describe as an anthropomorphic corvid.

I am tangentially aware of Stymphalos’ avian obsessions and would appreciate you putting us in contact if at all possible. As you may have guessed, I do not seek to cure this particular affliction and he may offer some unique insight.

If you please, write your response on the opposite side of this page, and it will find its way back to me.

Respect and Admiration,

Calypsos Renn - XV Legion Archivist

The Holvall sun has crept over the zenith and is beginning to colour the sky at the edges, first golden and then purple. Night falls quickly here near the equator. Flocks of twilight birds rise from the jungle with the whistling and rustling of their wings to catch insects and small flying lizards, which are now circling in particularly large numbers above the treetops.

In an old volcanic crater in the mountains deep in the woods, far away from any civilisation, bulkheads rumble over the windows of a cage-like hemisphere.

Herik gets ready for the nightly research cycle.

He is just about to make his way to the central lab when one of his serfs staggers down from the observation and communications area above, wings flapping ponderously, and holds out a datapad to him.

Herik raises his silver brows and takes the pad. Communication from outside normally only reaches him from one place. And this time too: the electronic seal of the Consortium. Even the private stamp of the Chief Apothecary. Herik whistles through his teeth and looks down, where one of the cloned geese is elegantly preening its feathers before returning his gaze.

Then he reads the short message.

Sighs.

One should never underestimate the command character of the Clone Lord's messages. And "your presence on Urum at your earliest possible convenience is in your interest. Vesalius is on its way to pick you up" is speaking very loud and very clear.

A curt gesture that covers the whole swarm of serfs." Pack my travel lab for Urum."

----------

Meanwhile on the Crone World of the Consortium, deep in the old palace.

Fabius nods briefly and contentedly when he receives Herik’s confirmation. Then he clasps his hands behind his back and marches up and down in his library, dictating to a servo skull that is eagerly floating behind him:

"To Archivist Renn of the Thousand Sons!

My personal feelings towards your Legion are of no concern to my work. If I were to choose my patients according to which legion has not yet put a bounty on me, I would have to limit myself to the second and eleventh.

The changes of the sons of Magnus are quite interesting to me, because I am still doing research on the instabilities and errors of the various gene seed variants.

According to my information, Herik’s current focus of work is aimed at creating a stable connection between the bird and human genome, but I am sure that he can spend a lot of worthwhile study time on your case.

My student will be in Urum in an estimated three weeks, give or take some time for warp fluctuations.

I await you here accordingly.

Fabius Bile, Chief Apothecary of the Emperor’s Children"

[dailycupofcreativitea]

Omg guys so YEEAARRSS ago, when I was 12, my older sister who passed away from colon cancer (diagnosed at 17) got a genetic test done to see if it was hereditary.

Unrelated to my family history of cancer (i.e. motivated purely by fun interest), I got a career as a bioinformatician involved in cancer genome interpretation.

I only heard about this genetic test recently (I'm 25 now), so I asked my mom if she still had the results. And weirdly, I understood them, because the same stuff they were looking for over a decade ago (ex. microsatellite instability status) are stuff we report about tumours at my job.

It's so weird to think that those results were generated when I was 12, and I grew up and (unrelated) pursued a career that eventually led me to understand them 😳

(Also the results were that it's not hereditary, thank goodness. Make sure y'all watch your gut health closely!)

[digitalcirce]

Designer Genetics Originally posted on DeviantArt on March 31 2025 (woman to pig transformation)

Good morning, gentlemen! I’m Melissa, with Intragenic Technologies. Now, as you have seen, in our patented process we harvest the appropriate polynucleotide sections from the donor organism, after which they are grafted into the corresponding part of the recipient’s genome. This grants the beneficiary the abilities, along with the corresponding physical structures, of the target animal. Obviously, most of our work to date has been for police and military, making enhanced humans who can sniff out drugs, bombs, and IEDs by incorporating swine DNA. This results, as you can see with me, in a few superficial but obvious secondary pig characteristics. A good trade-off, for having a five-fold increase in my sense of smell! I have observed a number of other benefits in my… other senses, as well.

But this is merely the industry standard, for genetic engineering. Where our new process diverges is in the final instability of the intragenic regions – much of the original genetic material is suspended, rather than outright replaced. That allows a recipient, like me, to physically ‘transform’ between my original form and the complete form of my donor animal, and back again – or anything in between. And while all our work to this point has been with swine, we plan in the next two years to add four other species to our repertoire, and continue to expand from there. Adding species is where the bulk of your investments, if you choose to support us, will go. And while we have already moved from exclusively law enforcement applications to consumer-supporting transformations – notably in the food industry – with this much more discreet type of animal hybrid, we anticipate being able to move into recreational transformations, with the predictable boom in revenue that elective cosmetic surgeries provides. With us, people will be able to ‘let the beast out’ in private without being perceived as different in public by their friends, coworkers, or church peers. After all, we are sensitive to the fact that some people have an aversion to being seen as part animal – although of course plenty of others, such as myself, are quite comfortable with it. I adore being part pig. But I also enjoy turning into a full animal with our new procedure, and experiencing the world that way.

Now, who would like to see a demonstration? Excellent. Just let me get naked, and you can all observe my transformation back and forth into a sow a few times. I assure you, it is quite captivating! And by all means, feel free to touch!

Stock image used available from DepositPhotos at https://depositphotos.com/photo/sexy-woman-standing-jacket-diagram-chart-looking-camera-176485826.html

[darkmaga-returns]

Scientists and legal experts are petitioning the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to suspend or withdraw the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

The petition cites evidence that Pfizer and Moderna’s so called COVID-19 vaccines are unapproved gene therapies and are contaminated with DNA plasmids.

It was also submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice, requesting that the agency consider “potential fraud indictments against Pfizer and Moderna.”

The Defender reports: According to a press release by Australian law firm PJ O’Brien & Associates, the petition “exposes alarming evidence of synthetic DNA contamination and regulatory failures that could affect millions worldwide,” shedding light on “a public health crisis.”

The Citizen Petition stated that Pfizer and Moderna misclassified their mRNA products as vaccines instead of gene therapy products, enabling the companies to avoid legally required FDA environmental assessments.

“This misclassification denied Americans transparency and informed consent, violating federal law and rendering approvals void from the start,” the press release stated.

The petition also cites several studies that “confirm synthetic DNA in these vaccines at levels 6 to 470 times above safety thresholds.”

“This biologically active DNA — detected in vials and human blood — carries SV40 [simian virus 40] sequences linked to cancer and genomic instability, posing risks of oncogenesis, hereditary changes, and immune disruption,” the press release stated.

[rakkikuroba]

Love/hate how RE was always realistic (as much as zombies can get) with the viruses.

The idea is that the Progenitor virus is a highly genetically instable virus like a lot of other retrovirus. That is realistic. The HIV is like that.

And each of its mutations gave a new virus in the games. It mutated to become the T-Virus, which mutated to the T-Veronica or the T-Phobos.

The C-Virus is a virus with the genome of both the T-Veronica and the G. And it’s here where they fucked up in RE6.

So um. To make a vaccine, you can use the antibodies of someone who healed from the virus. Which for the C, happens because Jake was immune because of his daddy.

EXCEPT ALBERT WAS IMMUNE TO THE PROGENITOR AND THAT IS IT.

Albert is infected by Uroboros and dies from it. Alex infected herself with Uroboros and Phobos and died from it. AND THEYRE BOTH MUTANTS OF THE PROGENITOR.

BECAUSE YOU CAN’T BE IMMUNE TO THE MUTATIONS OF A VIRUS YOU ARE ALREADY IMMUNE TO.

Let’s take a real example. You get omega Covid. You heal. You’ll be immune to Omega Covid for some time. You now get lambda covid. You will get sick because you aren’t immune to lambda covid.

Alfred has never been infected by the G or the T-Veronica and certainly not before Jake was conceived because they didn’t even existed yet. SO WHY IS HE IMMUNE???

And like Sherry would have been more immune to it that Jake if we follow their bad logic??

[pokemoncenter]

On Pokemon Genetics and Evolution

This is a continuation of my previous post about Pokemon genetics, where we discovered that Pokemon ncDNA contains more or less a complete record of their evolutionary history, allowing them to regain atavistic traits to suit new environments when needed.

Our conclusion was that this comes back to Mew. Mew, as the ancestor of all Pokemon, was known to have the ability to Transform akin to a Ditto... but now we must contend with the idea that it had much greater transformative abilities than the Ditto we know.

It is now theorized that regional formes are the result of, essentially, a Transform technique from the mother to alter its children. However, I posited a simple conundrum: If Everstones also disrupt the creation of regional formes, as well as evolution, could they not share a mechanism?

With the assistance of several Eevee, we recorded their DNA and checked it as they evolved, comparing the changes to the changes between formes in littermates of our Vulpixes.

Our results were almost entirely as we expected. Evolution, too, is another use of Transform. This one, however, appears to be deeply embedded in a Pokemon's genetics, enough that it is has become a part of their natural life cycle.

(This means we are further overturning the idea of Eevee as 'genetically unstable'- After all, it has no regional formes that we are aware of, only a variety of evolutions. This is not instability, but a preparedness for any environment.)

Through Champion Red's kind allowing us to examine Mewtwo's DNA, we were able to locate several parts of the genome that Pokemon that should have nothing in common do.

To confirm: Mew is the ancestor of all known Pokemon. A species-wide Mitochondrial Eve, you might say. And with this knowledge, we are now aware that all Pokemon, regardless of their appearance, are technically of the same genus. Even ones that look to be plants, or rocks- As descendants of Mew, they all belong to one genus, which we are now discussing renaming the 'Mew' genus.

... The primary hole, the flaw in this theory, is Ditto itself. Everstone prevents all of these uses of Transform to cause a forme change or an evolution, but it does not stop Ditto's Transformations. Is Ditto somehow a special case? We have far too much evidence to dismiss this entire theory, but then how does Ditto play into this?

[parchmentleaves]

Lady Essiala Ariathia ban Vor'cle

No game this week, so a brief entry about Lady Essiala instead. Who is the lady behind this journal? Linked above or copy-pasted below.

Lady Essiala Ariathia Sorjiik den Morgenstern ban Vor’cle is the Navigator Primaris of the void-ship Gloriosa Lux Misericordiae Imperialis, a role she has held for just over a standard decade. She is a bookish and reserved woman who prefers the solitude of her library to the hubbub of human interactions, and uses her noble bearing as a mask to conceal her terrors and inner loneliness.

Child of Vor’cle

Essiala is a scion of House Vor’cle, an ancient and vaunted House of the Navis Nobilite that eschews sector and planetary politics in favour of broad-ranging interests and connections throughout the Imperium of Man, including at the very heights of power. Vor’cle Navigators guide ships of nobility, adepta of the mighty Adeptus Terra, Rogue Traders, and even the dreaded Inquisition. The House maintains its own fleet of void-clippers – fast courier voidcraft that crisscross Sectors, Segmenta and even the Imperium itself bearing information too dense, complex or secure to risk astropathic communication, as well as individuals wishing swift and unobtrusive transport across the stars.

She was born on one of these void-clippers, the lean and ancient Morgenstern, and is a child of an esteemed and stable gene-lineage that has been free of genomic instability for over a millenium. Children of the Sorjiik lineage tend to a greater height, leanness of build and paleness of skin than even most void-born, with many also possessing entirely black eyes well-suited to finding even the fainest of lights in the darkness of the void. Essiala shows all these traits and, like many children of her line, prefers her quarters set to lower local gravity and dimmer lumination than ship standard.

House Vor’cle is less hidebound than many great magisterial Houses of the Navis Nobilite who might rely on their breeding and connections to secure contracts of navigation. The Vor’cle instead educate their scions and inculcate a deep curiosity about the universe into them. They in turn record everything that they encounter on their long-ranging travels across and beyond the Imperium and send their reports back to the House archives, where they may be used to further the obectives of the House and its allies. This cavalier disregard for the virtue of ignorance has led to multiple long term feuds between the House and factions of the Ecclesiarchy.

Dark Apprenticeship

Decades of scholarship and apprenticeship taught Essiala well the lessons of her House. She served as a Navigatrix Tertius and learned the practicalities of navigation aboard multiple ships with distinction and no issue save for a short-lived daliance with a bright-eyed void-mistress that ended when Essiala ascended to the rank of Navigatrix Secundus and was assigned to the void-ship Revenance.

Her years aboard the Revenance took her into the Halo Stars beyond the frontiers of the Imperium. She saw strange aetheric phenomena and curious alien ruins, decimated remnants of fallen civilisations far older than that of Man, and steered the ship through terrible warp storms to find safe refuge in the light of the Astronomicon once more. An incident occured on one voyage where she had the honour of steering the ship while the Navigator Primaris was recovering from injuries following a skirmish with Orkish pirates. The ship’s Gellar field, likely suffering some minor damage in the prior engagement, fluctuated during a turbulent ana-surge within the Immaterium and something attempted to coalesce through the cracks into the Navis spire.

A shapeless darkness with a voice of ash and burning violet eyes appeared on before Essiala and begged for her to open disable the safeties on the Aciens Horrens, the heavily warded portal through which the Navigator views the Immaterium, and allow it inside. It offered power, knowledge, all the sweet temptations fit to lure her into obeying its pleas. She refused and, in a moment of righteous anger, tried to turn the power of her Third Eye on the blasphemous thing. The entity simply laughed in amusement and departed, leaving her with words.

“Such fire you have. And such fires you will see Beyond. Three and three and all will burn as bright as you. May they consume you by delightful degrees.”

Essiala found herself marked and shaken by this dreadful encounter. All food tastes of ash in her mouth and her dreams echo with the three-eyed entities mocking laughter. In response she threw herself into studying all she could find about such blasphemous foes, so that she might face and destroy the entity if she encountered it once more. And to this day she takes great care to maintain a personal shrine to the Emperor in her quarters, praying to Him on Earth and all His Saints each morning after a night of fitful, restless sleep.

Navigator of the Gloriosa Lux

The incident on the Revenance earned Essiala her elevation to the rank of full Navigatrix, after sufficient psychoexamination and deep testing to ensure that the entity had left no taint upon her soul. She was assigned to fulfil House Vor’cle’s contract of navigation with the Void-ghast Dynasty, an ancient rogue trader family now fallen from the heights of their past glories, and she assumed the duties of Navigator Primaris aboard the Void-ghast’s only true void-ship, the Sword-class frigate Gloriosa Lux Misericordiae Imperialis.

Lady Essiala worked well with the Gloriosa Lux and her Lord-Captain Eleazar Void-ghast, steering the vessel on nearly a dozen expeditions into into the wild space of the Koronus Expanse and bringing her home safely each time. Each voyage brought new wonders and new terrors, and always the subtlest hints of some meaning behind the words and the sinister laughter haunting her nightmares.

Lord Eleazar’s sudden and unexpected death upended everything. Gloriosa Lux was forced to return to anchorage, spending nearly a year in limbo waiting for the heir to the Dynasty, the Writ of Trade, and the Lord-Captaincy to be found. Essiala spent the time reading, writing notes for future memoirs, and attempting to make sense of her dreams. She could feel a pattern forming, though it was still too diffuse and subtle to fully grasp.

Finally, after interminable politics and delays of transit, Lazarus Void-ghast was declared Lord of the Dynasty and the Gloriosa Lux Misericordiae Imperialis has set sail once more into the Koronus Expanse…

[ffloorageorge]

One quill served as a reservoir for ink inside the other quill. Poverty is concentrated in rural Honduras, a pattern that is reflected throughout Latin America. Lending has likewise been encouraged by the creation of a guarantee fund, which allows banks to issue loans to eligible small- and medium-sized businesses without first requiring a large deposit or other collateral. One of the survivors of the resulting massacre is Henry, the son of a blacksmith. Ancient genomes show social and reproductive behavior of early Upper Paleolithic foragers. These appear to have been either converted Soviet or early production models, or simply cloned from these rifles. Edo first appears in the Azuma Kagami chronicles, that name for the area being probably used since the second half of the Heian period. Sri Lanka once held the highest team score in all three formats of cricket. They will not eat grain, which could be carried on the journey. When they catch up to Desther, he surrenders after a short battle. Despite making enormous progress in reducing the countrywide poverty incidence from 56 percent of the population in 1992 to 24. Street vendors in wheeled carts frequent residential areas or station on busy sidewalks near marketplaces or schools. A debt restructuring plan and the creation of a new currency in 1924 ushered in the Golden Twenties, an era of artistic innovation and liberal cultural life. After 2001, economic, political and geopolitical conditions improved greatly, and Bulgaria achieved high Human Development status in 2003. Romania was forced to cede Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union on 26 June 1940, Northern Transylvania to Hungary on 30 August, and Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria in September. Prior to the coming of Oba Ewuare in the mid 15th century, the Ewu community was organized and governed by an ancient gerontocracy where a council of the oldest people called Edion administered the various communities that constituted Ewu, independently. According to figures communicated by the company in July 2018, the bikes are rented up to four times a day, representing 5,000 to 10,000 daily trips. However, the recovery from the plague led to a resurgence of cities, trade, and economy, which allowed the blossoming of Humanism and Renaissance that later spread to Europe. These enhancer regions can activate transcription of Ubx if the right combination of factors is present. In a brothel raid a year later there, a number of girls rescued from the 2003 raid were found to be involved again in sex work. The process, known as Pontypool japan, was first developed in the west by Thomas Allgood of nearby Pontypool and was taken on in Usk in 1763 by his grandsons Thomas and Edward Allgood. In 1974, the Haiti national football team were only the second Caribbean team to make the World Cup. As the existence of superheavy elements is very strongly dependent on stabilizing effects from closed shells, nuclear instability and fission will likely determine the end of the periodic table beyond these islands of stability. The main responsibility of the County Administrative Board is to co-ordinate the development of the county in line with goals set by the Riksdag and Government. Dafydd ap Gwilym is widely regarded as one of the greatest Welsh poets of all time, and amongst the leading European poets of the Middle Ages. The planned Long Thanh International Airport will have an annual service capacity of 100 million passengers once it becomes fully operational in 2025. The latest country Bhutan has established diplomatic relations with is Israel, on 12 December 2020. The latest forced disappearance involves three sisters from Abu Dhabi. These have led to widely applied advances in computer science, especially string searching algorithms, machine learning, and database theory.

[transgenderer]

Virus latency (or viral latency) is the ability of a pathogenic virus to lie dormant (latent) within a cell, denoted as the lysogenic part of the viral life cycle.[1] A latent viral infection is a type of persistent viral infection which is distinguished from a chronic viral infection. Latency is the phase in certain viruses' life cycles in which, after initial infection, proliferation of virus particles ceases. However, the viral genome is not eradicated. The virus can reactivate and begin producing large amounts of viral progeny (the lytic part of the viral life cycle) without the host becoming reinfected by new outside virus, and stays within the host indefinitely.[2]

Episomal latency refers to the use of genetic episomes during latency. In this latency type, viral genes are stabilized, floating in the cytoplasm or nucleus as distinct objects, either as linear or lariat structures. Episomal latency is more vulnerable to ribozymes or host foreign gene degradation than proviral latency (see below).

Advantages of episomal latency include the fact that the virus may not need to enter the cell nucleus, and hence may avoid nuclear domain 10 (ND10) from activating interferon via that pathway. Disadvantages include more exposure to cellular defenses, leading to possible degradation of viral gene via cellular enzymes.[12]

Proviral latency: A provirus is a virus genome that is integrated into the DNA of a host cell

All interferons share several common effects: they are antiviral agents and they modulate functions of the immune system. Administration of Type I IFN has been shown experimentally to inhibit tumor growth in animals, but the beneficial action in human tumors has not been widely documented. A virus-infected cell releases viral particles that can infect nearby cells. However, the infected cell can protect neighboring cells against a potential infection of the virus by releasing interferons. In response to interferon, cells produce large amounts of an enzyme known as protein kinase R (PKR). This enzyme phosphorylates a protein known as eIF-2 in response to new viral infections; the phosphorylated eIF-2 forms an inactive complex with another protein, called eIF2B, to reduce protein synthesis within the cell. Another cellular enzyme, RNAse L—also induced by interferon action—destroys RNA within the cells to further reduce protein synthesis of both viral and host genes. Inhibited protein synthesis impairs both virus replication and infected host cells. In addition, interferons induce production of hundreds of other proteins—known collectively as interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs)—that have roles in combating viruses and other actions produced by interferon.[13][14] They also limit viral spread by increasing p53 activity, which kills virus-infected cells by promoting apoptosis.[15][16] The effect of IFN on p53 is also linked to its protective role against certain cancers.[15]

Another function of interferons is to up-regulate major histocompatibility complex molecules, MHC I and MHC II, and increase immunoproteasome activity. All interferons significantly enhance the presentation of MHC I dependent antigens. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) also significantly stimulates the MHC II-dependent presentation of antigens. Higher MHC I expression increases presentation of viral and abnormal peptides from cancer cells to cytotoxic T cells, while the immunoproteasome processes these peptides for loading onto the MHC I molecule, thereby increasing the recognition and killing of infected or malignant cells. Higher MHC II expression increases presentation of these peptides to helper T cells; these cells release cytokines (such as more interferons and interleukins, among others) that signal to and co-ordinate the activity of other immune cells.[17][18][19]

Epstein–Barr virus lytic reactivation (which can be due to chemotherapy or radiation) can result in genome instability and cancer.[5]

HSV reactivates upon even minor chromatin loosening with stress,[7] although the chromatin compacts (becomes latent) upon oxygen and nutrient deprivation.[8]

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) establishes latency in myeloid progenitor cells, and is reactivated by inflammation.[9] Immunosuppression and critical illness (sepsis in particular) often results in CMV reactivation.[10] CMV reactivation is commonly seen in patients with severe colitis.[11]

viral latency is so fucked up

[cupcraft]

Fascinating response truly lmfao.

Anyway here's a review paper on how people are assessing sex and its affects on cancer besides just reproductive ones (my area of research): https://www.cell.com/trends/cancer/fulltext/S2405-8033(22)00020-6.

Sex chromosomes, sex biased transcripts and epigenetic regulation of the genome, and sex hormones (which can also affect various pathways) are of high interest to study in many diseases but especially cancer given that in cancer there are mutations and instability within the sex chromosomes and there are sex biases noted. There needs to be more studies on intersex individuals of varying types and those with different hormonal levels than average (in cis and trans and intersex people), but the findings so far are very fascinating!

Also btw trump recognizing only "the two biological sexes" harms intersex people too. I am a researcher of sex and it's affects on disease, and sex is far more complicated than "two sexes" and it always will be. Sex is multifaceted and there are far more than two binary sexes. Keep that in mind too. Don't fall into bioessentialism as you fight for trans people and intersex people.

[jamesmilleer2407]

How the NASDAQ 100 Top Stocks Define Market Momentum and Global Sector Evolution

In the modern financial ecosystem, few benchmarks hold as much relevance and strategic weight as the NASDAQ 100 top stocks. These companies, chosen from among the most traded and highest capitalized non-financial entities on the NASDAQ exchange, represent a cross-section of sectoral leadership, global reach, and innovation-driven value creation. Their influence extends far beyond mere stock performance — they actively shape industry direction, investor sentiment, and policy debates around the world.

What Makes the NASDAQ 100 Top Stocks Distinct?

The composition of the NASDAQ 100 top stocks is based on clear criteria: market capitalization, liquidity, and sector alignment — with a purposeful exclusion of financial institutions. This creates a refined index with a strong tilt toward innovative, product-driven, and tech-forward businesses. The result is a benchmark that not only reflects but also predicts the trajectory of major economic themes such as digitalization, automation, and global integration.

These companies are typically at the forefront of R&D investment, product deployment at scale, and strategic M&A that realign industry structures. Their track records include long-term growth, resilience during downturns, and dominance in both mature and emerging markets.

Sectoral Engines Behind the Index

While technology remains the backbone, the NASDAQ 100 top stocks span multiple sectors, including healthcare technology, consumer goods, cloud computing, semiconductors, communication services, and industrial design. This cross-sector blend ensures that the index captures momentum from multiple economic drivers — not just the latest tech trend.

For instance, healthcare companies in this group are innovating in genomics, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals. Semiconductor firms enable everything from AI inference engines to 5G connectivity. Meanwhile, digital communications companies redefine how people interact, work, and access services.

The Index as a Barometer of Global Sentiment

One of the reasons institutional investors pay close attention to the NASDAQ 100 top stocks is their utility as sentiment indicators. Their price movements frequently precede broader market trends. During times of macroeconomic uncertainty — whether driven by central bank decisions, inflation shifts, or geopolitical instability — these stocks often act as high-frequency indicators.

Analysts watch them for breakouts, consolidation zones, and volume anomalies to interpret not only sector health but also global capital flows. The responsiveness of these stocks to global events provides a real-time gauge of market anxiety, optimism, or rotation.

Innovation as a Strategic Imperative

At the heart of the NASDAQ 100 top stocks is a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Whether it's advancements in generative AI, cloud-native applications, synthetic biology, or augmented reality, these companies prioritize first-mover advantage. Their ability to integrate new technology into their value chains often serves as a blueprint for other firms and even entire industries.

This commitment is visible in their R&D budgets, which frequently surpass billions annually. More importantly, these investments convert into patent portfolios, new revenue streams, and commercial products that fundamentally change consumer expectations and enterprise capabilities.

Institutional Anchors and Capital Allocation

Because of their liquidity and consistent earnings visibility, the NASDAQ 100 top stocks form the bedrock of many institutional portfolios. Pension funds, mutual funds, and sovereign wealth managers allocate substantial capital toward them to gain exposure to innovation, growth, and global diversification. Their presence across ETFs, passive index funds, and active management strategies amplifies their impact on overall market behavior.

Their role in strategic asset allocation is profound. When sector rotation occurs — from growth to value, for example — these stocks often serve as the pivot points. Their weighting affects portfolio risk profiles and factor exposures, making them critical instruments in institutional decision-making.

Evolving Through Disruption and Reinvention

One of the defining characteristics of the NASDAQ 100 top stocks is their ability to evolve through disruption. Whether confronted with regulatory scrutiny, digital disintermediation, or shifting consumer behavior, these firms adapt. Often, they are the disruptors themselves — reinventing industry norms and redefining competitive dynamics.

From Amazon redefining logistics and fulfillment, to Tesla accelerating the EV revolution, to Adobe turning creative tools into SaaS platforms, these companies lead with strategy and speed. Their evolution becomes a case study in how to manage complexity while scaling innovation.

Global Impact, Local Relevance

Though U.S.-listed, the NASDAQ 100 top stocks operate globally. Their revenue streams are diversified across continents, and their supply chains span both developed and emerging economies. This international footprint means they are directly affected by global trade policy, currency fluctuations, and local economic conditions.

Their adaptability in tailoring products and services to different markets adds a layer of resilience and relevance. For instance, Apple’s localization of services in Asia, or Microsoft’s cloud partnerships with regional governments, demonstrate the dual focus on global growth and local alignment.

Digital Infrastructure and the Modern Economy

A defining feature of the NASDAQ 100 top stocks is their role in building the digital infrastructure of the global economy. Whether through hyperscale data centers, edge computing, AI platforms, or secure connectivity, these firms are not only beneficiaries of digital transformation but also its architects.

Their investments form the foundation upon which newer industries, such as telehealth, edtech, fintech, and remote work, are built. The impact of their digital ecosystems extends to nearly every aspect of daily life and enterprise strategy.

Cyclical Sensitivity and Volatility Patterns

While offering high growth potential, the NASDAQ 100 top stocks also exhibit cyclical sensitivity. Their valuations often respond sharply to interest rate expectations, bond yields, and earnings forecasts. This makes them both a source of opportunity and risk — particularly for short-term trading strategies or leveraged exposure.

Despite volatility, the long-term trajectory of these stocks remains robust due to their adaptability, market positioning, and forward-looking strategies. Sophisticated investors often use options and hedging tools to manage this volatility while maintaining core exposure.

ESG Integration and Stakeholder Capitalism

Many of the NASDAQ 100 top stocks are also pioneers in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. They are integrating climate risk metrics, adopting renewable energy commitments, and leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. Their transparency in ESG reporting often sets the benchmark for regulatory frameworks and investor standards.

This alignment with stakeholder capitalism — balancing profit with purpose — adds to their appeal among a new generation of investors who prioritize ethical and sustainable business practices.

Strategic Focus in a Shifting Market

As the global economy continues to evolve, the NASDAQ 100 top stocks remain positioned at the center of strategic focus. Their leadership in artificial intelligence, clean energy, cybersecurity, and immersive technology suggests they will continue to shape macroeconomic narratives and investment strategies.

Upcoming challenges — such as data sovereignty, AI regulation, and global tax harmonization — will test their agility and influence. However, their proven history of innovation, scale, and execution suggests they will not just survive these shifts but help define their outcomes.

The NASDAQ 100 top stocks are far more than a curated list of large-cap names. They represent the nexus of innovation, market efficiency, global strategy, and economic insight. Their ability to scale ideas, adapt to macro shifts, and execute on bold visions places them among the most influential players in modern capital markets.

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On November 25th, a coalition of hundreds of international politicians, leading medical experts, and professionals sent a notice of extreme concern to the heads of state of 10 European nations—Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. What was their urgent plea? The immediate suspension of the use of modified mRNA vaccines citing serious health risks.

The letter was prepared by North Group, which was set up to raise awareness about the potential harms posed by modified mRNA therapeutics.

An extract from the letter reads:

“We wish to focus your attention on three critical issues regarding the deployment of COVID-19 modified mRNA products that have profound implications for the health of our nations’ citizens.

COVID-19 vaccines were never tested for their ability to block viral transmission. Hence, medical product regulators, as well as governments and governmental bodies,misled people in order to coerce them into accepting these products.

COVID-19 vaccines resulted in an unprecedented level of reported side effects, including deaths. Reproducible analyses of public data shows that it was a lottery as to which batch a person received and the side effects that they may have experienced.

Analyses by multiple, independent scientists evidence variable and excessive levels of residual plasmid DNA in vials of Pfizer and Moderna’s products - this foreign DNA is a by-product of the manufacturing processes and should never have made it into commercial vials.”

Moreover, it emphasized in bold: “The introduction of foreign DNA into cells via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) may damage human DNA leading to genomic instability, cancer, and other extremely serious conditions.”

The North Group letter can be downloaded below.