Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Twenty-Two

[jerseygirl]

Sorry this article is so long, but I was doing some searching around and found this: RNAi: miracle cure, silent killer or weapon of mass destruction? By P Koupparis 20 August 2003 A flood of scientific papers has been published recently about an exciting biochemical technology known as RNAi that promises to revolutionise medical science. The discovery also has the makings of a terrifying new weapon of mass destruction. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a less famous analogue of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), although it plays an equally important role in the chemistry of life. Living organisms express DNA's genetic code as proteins. At any one time, a typical human cell expresses anywhere between a few dozen and several thousand genes. Each gene is transcribed onto a section of single-stranded messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries the genetic code from the cell nucleus to protein factories called ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Each protein molecule is assembled from a string of amino acids. Each amino acid is represented by a 3-base-pair sequence of mRNA called a codon. The scientific understanding of that mechanism has also provided a way to interfere with the process - with potentially disastrous consequences. Over the course of billions of years, rogue mRNA molecules have evolved into parasitic, self-replicating objects known as viruses. At the same time, the cell evolved various defence mechanisms to detect and destroy viral RNA. Viral defence systems lie at the heart of the newly discovered RNAi technology. The "i" in RNAi stands for "interference". Scientists have discovered how to hijack the cell's viral defences to destroy ordinary mRNA and thus silence the expression of the underlying genes. It is relatively easy to synthesise RNA molecules. When the base sequence of one half of a strand is a reverse complimentary image of the other half, the molecule loops back on itself to create double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Pieces of dsRNA longer than about 30-base-pairs induce mammalian cells to shut down gene expression while an enzyme called RNAse L destroys all of the RNA within the cell. Known as the interferon response, it often leads to cell death through a process called apoptosis. However, dsRNA less than 30-base-pairs in length does not induce the interferon response. Instead, an enzyme called Dicer chops dsRNA into staggered 22-base-pair long fragments. The double-strands are prised apart and one strand, now called a short interfering RNA (siRNA) becomes attached to the target site of an RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The activated RISC then acts like a magnet for any mRNA that either exactly or closely matches 19 base pairs of the target siRNA. Both outcomes halt the translation of mRNA into protein. If the match is close, the RISC sticks to the mRNA. If the match is exact an enzyme called Slicer cleaves the mRNA, the halves of which are then released allowing the RISC to continue destroying matching mRNAs for several days. Synthetic dsRNA molecules that dice into siRNA fragments matching a section of normal mRNA will silence the expression of a specific gene's protein. In other words, one or more genes can be switched off for several days at a time. That ability makes RNAi the silver bullet of cellular biochemistry. Such a powerful, gene-specific tool has enormous research and therapeutic potential in medicine. But it also has a negative side, one that scientists appear not to have acknowledged yet, in public, at least. Several methods for delivering and inserting RNAi fragments into cells are currently under development. RNAi "infection" of cells can be achieved simply by feeding lower animals with bacteria genetically engineered to produce suitably coded RNAi molecules. That technique has not been shown to work in mammals (yet), however, RNAi infection has been achieved with modified adenovirus vectors, high-pressure injection and direct absorption of dsRNA encapsulated within 25-nanometre liposome (i.e. fat) globules. Liposome encapsulated dsRNA molecules can be inserted into human cells by intravenous injection, inhalation or skin contact via a carrier liniment such as DMSO. As for ingestion, modified liposome nano-particles protected against digestion in the stomach are absorbed through the intestinal tract. With such a wide range of delivery systems, RNAi technology can be weaponised with ease. Its power can be subverted to serve the needs of the silent assassin, the terrorist or the military. Long dsRNA kills human cells indiscriminately by inducing apoptosis. Short dsRNA can be designed to induce a wide range of effects from the therapeutic to the deadly. For example, all of the estimated 100,000 human proteins are manufactured from linear sequences of just twenty amino acids. It is highly likely that there are several 19 base-pair siRNA sequences (equivalent to 6-7 amino acid codons) that are common to many proteins. A few pieces of dsRNA that dice into such siRNA fragments would disable many essential cell functions at once leading to rapid death or disability. What makes RNAi a perfect candidate for weaponisation is an earlier, closely related technology called anti-sense RNA. The idea behind that was to synthesise strands of RNA with a complementary (i.e. anti-sense) base-pair sequence to that of target mRNA strands. The anti-sense was supposed to bind to the target mRNA thus halting the expression of a particular gene. In practice, voracious RNAse enzymes devoured most of the anti-sense molecules. If any survived to form long dsRNA, the cell was likely to shut down and commit suicide through apoptosis. Anti-sense RNA's therapeutic promise failed to materialise, although it played an important role in unravelling the mechanics of RNAi. Short strands of anti-sense RNA can act as an antidote against harmful siRNAs. Slightly mismatched anti-sense RNA fragments will bind to activated RISCs preventing them from silencing targeted mRNAs. However, an antidote to a particular siRNA can be created only when its code sequence is known. RNAi is a weapon with a built-in antidote protected by a digital key code. As if the above attributes of RNAi were not enough to raise concerns, it so happens that retroviruses are little more than self-replicating RNA molecules. Simple organisms have already been modified to produce billions of custom-designed RNAi molecules. That capability can be packaged into the shell of an adenovirus or incorporated into the self-replicating RNA of a retrovirus. Viral vectors can be designed to kill only the individuals infected or to spread like a plague through a target population killing everyone who comes into contact with an infected individual. A similar antidote vector can imbue the aggressor's population with immunity. The agent can even be programmed to become toxic only in the presence of a particular chemical, such as one found in a specific diet, or in people taking a specific medication, for example. All the elements for a powerful, versatile bio-weapon are in place. And much of that technology can be exploited in the proverbial well-equipped kitchen. RNAi technology can kill people in ways that are currently undetectable. In expert hands, it can kill only those who happen to possess one or more genetic variations or mutations. Ethnic groups, tribes, families or individuals can be targeted with ease. A silver bullet par excellence. RNAi molecules can be designed to interfere with one or more neuro-transmitters rendering the recipient senseless, docile or even insane. Other RNAi sequences can interfere with motor-neurone synapses, mimicking the effects of nerve agents. Blindness, breathing difficulties, pulmonary oedema, haemorrhage, paralysis, heart, liver or kidney failure, fatigue, insatiable thirst or hunger, disorientation or whatever, just program the RNA synthesiser as required. Death by numbers. Unlike regular poisons and biological toxins, RNAi molecules are virtually undetectable within living cells already teaming with RNA. Lethal RNAi molecules can be ordered through the mail from hundreds of biochemical supply laboratories. Anyone can purchase an RNA synthesiser or simply create short RNA molecules manually with easily purchased organic compounds and reagents. RNAi can be as toxic as botulinum or as harmless as sherbet. One day, it may even cure cancer - if we survive that long. <> © Copyright P Koupparis 2003. All Rights Reserved. Everything you need to know about RNAi and gene silencing: http://www.ambion.com/techlib/resources/RNAi/ Comprehensive List of RNAi Publications (updated daily): http://www.orbigen.com/RNAi_Orbigen.html

[tmp02]

Soros Waging Financial War on U.S.?

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1289727/posts

Time magazine has characterized financier George Soros as a "modern-day Robin Hood," who robs from the rich to give to the poor countries of eastern Europe and Russia. It claimed that Soros makes huge financial gains by speculating against western central banks, in order to use his profits to help the emerging post-communist economies of eastern Europe and former Soviet Union, to assist them to create what he calls an "Open Society." The Time statement is entirely accurate in the first part, and entirely inaccurate in the second. He robs from rich western countries, and uses his profits to rob even more savagely from the East, under the cloak of "philanthropy." His goal is to loot wherever and however he can. Soros has been called the master manipulator of "hit-and-run capitalism."

As we shall see, what Soros means by "open," is a society that allows him and his financial predator friends to loot the resources and precious assets of former Warsaw Pact economies. By bringing people like Jeffrey Sachs or Sweden's Anders Aslund and their economic shock therapy into these economies, Soros lays the groundwork for buying up the assets of whole regions of the world at dirt-cheap prices.

The man who broke the Bank of England?

An examination of Soros's secretive financial network is vital to understand the true dimension of the "Soros problem" in eastern Europe and other nations.

[Mossad1967]

Hello all.
I hope everyone had a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving!!!
G-d bless!!!

***I found this to be very interesting.***

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130017
[ALERT] Cloud Bomb Alert

Listened to retired FBI Agent Ted Gunderson last night telling of a possible threat to U.S. cities by use of a cloud bomb. He stated that back in September when the large nuclear type explosion was detonated in N. Korea that is exactly what they were testing. It is a mixture of diesel fuel and ammonia nitrate sprayed over a target between 1000 to 2000 feet and then ignited. Wipes out a two mile area. Sound serious to me. He wants everyone to spread the word on this, because Homeland Insecurity will not advise the American people. This is not up on his web page yet, but he was on WLW radio 700 out of Cincinnati last night telling of this possible impending attack for the first time.

www.tedgunderson.com

[Selene]

silent killer or weapon of mass destruction?

Ugg and our top biologists are being murdered!

Dr. Germ is still not talking

[Selene]

Posted on Fri, Nov. 26, 2004





Can't find any more on this:

Mysterious, waxy substance closes part of U.S. 219

GRAMPIAN, Pa. - Officials closed a 10-mile stretch of U.S. 219 in Clearfield County Friday because of a mysterious, waxy substance that's appeared on the roadway
http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/politics/10280091.htm

[tmp02]

CHECK out this site if you haven't already.

http://www.tedgunderson.com/Articles/Plans%20for%20Civilian%20Internment.htm

Also checkout the other documents that he has listed. Interesting stuff.

[jerseygirl]

that certainly is consistent with their comments to "breathe deeply it will be easier that way."

Will be back on TM tommorrow- need to call a few people and research a few things. This is chilling info. I keep remembering Bhopal India years ago.

[jerseygirl]

Have to get off....wish I could spend more time here today. I think we need to devote alot of research to Mossad's post. It fits the threats- black winds of death and al; fits the stolen chems, the interest in weather patterns, etc.

[ExSoldier]

ExSoldier to ALL: My 'puter problems are quite serious, it's a miracle that it's working now, it comes and goes. Sometimes, it works for a moment and runs off repeating a single letter and it won't stop. I'll be offline for the foreseeable future. Taking computer into mac-repair shop tomorrow. Who knows when I'll have it back? Hoping I can patch it up till next fall when I can afford to upgrade to a G5!!! Dual processors! Bigger monitor, more toys!!! ~Sigh~

I'll try and get someplace to check both freepmail and e-mail when I can.

My name and number are on the most current alert list if the balloon goes up in the meantime. HipShot also has my info. Have a Good-un.

[ExSoldier]

It is a mixture of diesel fuel and ammonia nitrate sprayed over a target between 1000 to 2000 feet and then ignited. Wipes out a two mile area. Sound serious to me.

I'll keep posting until the 'puter craps out again. I don't buy this for a moment. Any amount of breeze and it would cause too much drift for the chemicals to still be properly mixed. Plus the nitrate and the fuel oil would fall at different rates, especially in the time it would take for a plane to cover the distance necessary to assure a good spread. Cloud Bomb? If you saw Joe versus the Volcano you'll remember the diagnosis of BRAIN CLOUD and that is exactly what this is referring to! Disinformation to distract us from the true threat. Scary stories for the children.

[Cindy]

You know, the internet is thick with propaganda especially when it comes to "little Kim."

Is he dead?
Is he seriously ill?
Is he out of power?

I'm not sure what's going on...still watching and reading...

[liberallyconservative]

This is one of several links I found at FoxNews last night and didn't have time to post. Thanks for linking it. Here is 3 in a series of 4 regarding "Eurabia" - Islam in Europe:

Spain Battles Illegal Muslim Immigration
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,139511,00.html

Swedes Reach Muslim Breaking Point
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,139614,00.html

Islamic Recruiters Target Potential Jihadees [France]
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,139709,00.html

Part 4 should be posted tomorrow.

[liberallyconservative]

Just wanted to share a really nice story.

Bracelet helps Kinney remember servicemen
http://www.tennessean.com/sports/titans/archives/04/11/62085045.shtml?Element_ID=62085045

One of my favorite Tennessee Titans football players, Erron Kinney, wears a green rubber bracelet (much like the Lance Armstrong "Livestrong" yellow wrist bands) that says "Support Our Troops", even during games. He and his business partners are selling them at Mapco Express service stations throughout TN and AL.

All proceeds go to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell. The first contributions will be used to provide calling cards for soldiers overseas so they can stay in touch with their families.

All proceeds collected outside Tennessee go to the Fallen Heroes Fund, which benefits the families of men and women who have died in combat.

I wear mine proudly and hope they are eventually able to distribute them nationwide. In this time of professional athletes brawling with fans, it's nice to see one of the good guys showing his support for our troops.

If anyone is interested in having one, FReepmail me and I'll see how many I can find. They've been available for 2 weeks and they're selling well. Or those of you who have a Mapco near you may see if they can obtain some to be sold in your area.

[subsea06]

re: fuel/air bombs

Now we know what the crop dusters are for... but their chemical tanks would have to be resized to hold enough fuel/NH4NO3. A firefighting plane would be a better solution.

sub6

[Revel]

Terror expert: Qaida WMD attack on US likely soon
Etgar Lefkovits, THE JERUSALEM POST Nov. 29, 2004

An al-Qaida attack on the US with non-conventional weapons is virtually "inevitable," and the organization is likely "tying up the knots" for such an attack, Yosef Bodansky, former director of the US Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare, told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

"All of the warnings we have today indicate that a major strike – something more horrible than anything we've seen before – is all but inevitable," he said.

Bodansky, here for the second annual Jerusalem Summit, an international gathering of conservative thinkers, added that "the primary option" for the next al-Qaida attack on US soil would be one that would use weapons of mass destruction.

"I do not have a crystal ball, but this is what all the available evidence tells us, we will have a bang," Bodansky said.

He said that al-Qaida has not carried out a second major attack on the US until now for internal psychological and ideological reasons, but after the reelection of President George W. Bush, it has gotten "the green light" to do so from leading Islamic religious luminaries, as well as from "the elites of the Arab world."

According to Bodansky's reading of Osama bin Laden's mind-set, after the elaborate attacks of 9/11 there was no need for the "bin Ladens of the world" to carry out a second major attack in the US, both because the target audience of the attacks – the Arab and Islamic world – had gotten the message that America could be penetrated, and because a second attack would necessarily have to be more grandiose.

Following the attacks and the US-led war on terror, a debate started within the operational arm of the organization over the potential use of weapons of mass destruction, Bodansky said.

If, in pre-9/11 days, the theme used by bin Laden was that perpetual confrontation and jihad against the US was the only way to protect Islam, the argument now used is the ability to punish American society, Bodansky said.

"Just as the West was challenging the quintessence of Islam by means of the globalization era, there was a parallel need by Islamic extremists to strike at – and hurt – the core of American society, this time with weapons of mass destruction," Bodansky said.

A subsequent theological debate emerged within the organization, and its supporters in the Arab world, he said, over whether the mass killing of innocents is permissible.

While bin Laden and his associates argued that by virtue of their participation in US democracy, US citizens were enabling their rulers to fight, other Islamic luminaries contended that this does not permit such massive attacks, Bodansky said. The reelection of Bush in November, he said, was viewed by bin Laden and his cohorts as a decisive answer to this deliberation, with Americans now "choosing" to be the enemies of Islam. In bin Laden's mind-set, he said, the stage was set for a non-conventional attack.

Bodansky said that while there may still be some vestiges of debate and doubt within Islamic circles, he believes that planing for such an attack is finished. "They got the kosher stamp from the Islamic world to use nuclear weapons," he said.

Moreover, Bodansky said that America is losing the war against terrorism, noting the number of recruits bin Laden is able to count on, as his call to arms gains widespread support throughout the Muslim world.

In the pre-9/11 world, Bodansky said, jihadists could count on 250,000 individuals trained and willing to die, and 2.5 million–5 million people willing to help them in one way or another. He cited intelligence estimates from this summer that suggest that as many as 500,000-750,000 people are willing and trained to die, 10 million are willing to actively support them, short of killing, while another 50 million are willing to support such a movement financially.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/Printer&cid=1101615867007&p=1078113566627

[Squantos]

HUA !

[Godzilla]

It is a mixture of diesel fuel and ammonia nitrate sprayed over a target between 1000 to 2000 feet and then ignited. Wipes out a two mile area. Sound serious to me.

Sounds like a derivative of a fuel-air explosive, produces a near-nuclear sized explosion. However, I do not think that the chemical mixture for this alledged aerosol mixture is the same as in our fae munitions. I would apply a liberal dose of tinfoil regarding this particular theory as I agree with ExSoldier with this one.

[Godzilla]

Sometimes, it works for a moment and runs off repeating a single letter and it won't stop

MIne has a simlar problem on occasion. I suspect it is a combination of the OS 8.6 and a glitch in the keyboard.

[ExSoldier]

I suspect it is a combination of the OS 8.6 and a glitch in the keyboard.

My wife has a MAC lab for her student publication and said the same thing about a bad keyboard! But I'm running OS 10.3.5 and this should not be happening! I can't WAIT to upgrade to the G5!! By then, the new TIGER OS should be standard.

[tmp02]

Complete nuclear bomb plant earmarked for Libya found in South Africa

Authorities hunting traffickers in nuclear weapons technology recently uncovered an audacious plan to deliver a complete uranium enrichment plant to Libya.

The discovery provides fresh evidence of the reach and sophistication of the Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan's global black market in nuclear know-how and equipment. It also exposes a previously undetected South African branch of the Khan network.

Details of the plot began to emerge in September, when police found the elements of a two-storey steel processing system for the enrichment plant in a factory outside Johannesburg. They were packed in 11 freight containers for shipment to Libya.

South African officials will say only that they discovered nuclear components. It appears, however, that the massive system was designed to operate 1000 centrifuges for enriching uranium.

Once assembled in Libya, the plant could have produced enough weapons-grade uranium to manufacture several nuclear bombs a year. Delivery of the plant would have greatly accelerated Libya's efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Dr Khan already had secretly shipped to Libya a supply of processed uranium fuel for the enrichment plant, international inspectors said.

An off-the-shelf enrichment facility was built for Libya because unlike other customers of the Khan network, such as Iran and North Korea, Libya lacked the technical expertise or manufacturing base to build the complex facilities necessary.

Some of the centrifuges for the plant were shipped separately from Malaysia, because the specialised steel needed was not available in South Africa. The interception of that cargo by US and Italian authorities in October 2003 led to the Johannesburg raid and spurred Libya's leader, Muammar Gaddafi, to renounce efforts to develop banned weapons.

In the September 1 raid, police found a video that detailed the workings of Dr Khan's top-secret government enrichment laboratory in Pakistan, plus trunks filled with designs from the lab.

The discovery of a South African connection to Dr Khan's web has led to four arrests, including some people who had been involved in the country's former nuclear program.

/snip/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1290039/posts