Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/out-of-the-x-and-under-the-mri-scanner/
The World Economic Forum recently hosted a panel on “Disease X,” a term that has been gaining traction in global health discussions. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General referred to COVID-19 as the first Disease X, underscoring the need for global unity in combating pandemics. The WHO’s 194 member nations are slated to meet in May to adopt the Pandemic Agreement and International Health Regulations (IHR). However, concerns about potential loss of sovereignty have led to resistance from some nations. The UN has indicated that the agreement may not be finalized in May due to lack of consensus, with the WHO Director-General attributing the delay to conspiracy theories.
In the realm of immunology, the immune system’s response to acute respiratory viruses involves a complex interplay of cells and proteins. Natural Killer cells, part of the innate immune system, attack the virus, while cytokines and Interferons create an anti-viral environment. Antigen Presenting Cells facilitate antibody production, and the production of Neutralizing antibodies and Steric immune refocusing-created antibodies play a crucial role. However, in a highly vaccinated individual, the immune system’s reliance on these antibodies can lead to unsustainable adjustments, potentially leaving vaccinated individuals defenseless against new variants.
In other news, the US government’s sale of the Federal Helium Reserve to industrial gas company Messer has raised concerns in the healthcare industry. The reserve, which supplies up to 30% of the country’s helium, is crucial for MRI machines that require liquid helium to function. The transition of ownership could lead to a temporary shutdown of the facility, exacerbating an existing helium supply shortage. This could increase reliance on foreign sources like Qatar and Russia, posing potential geopolitical and logistical challenges. While alternatives to traditional helium-dependent MRI machines exist, many hospitals still rely on their current equipment, and the demand for MRI machines continues to rise. As such, the healthcare industry is closely watching the future of helium supply.