Free Republic

Abstract We are currently witnessing a major epidemic caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019- nCoV). The evolution of 2019-nCoV remains elusive. We found 4 insertions in the spike glycoprotein (S) which are unique to the 2019-nCoV and are not present in other coronaviruses. Importantly, amino acid residues in all the 4 inserts have identity or similarity to those in the HIV-1 gp120 or HIV-1 Gag. Interestingly, despite the inserts being discontinuous on the primary amino acid sequence, 3D-modelling of the 2019-nCoV suggests that they converge to constitute the receptor binding site. The finding of 4 unique inserts in the...

The "Voice of Bahrain" reports that Iranian cleric Rafsanjani intends to run for president of Iran. "Powerful Iranian cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani declared yesterday he was set to stand again for president in the June 17 election and challenge a field of candidates so far dominated by hardliners. 'The issue of the presidency is my current preoccupation and although I would like somebody else to take this responsibility, I think I must take this bitter medicine,' the charismatic cleric was quoted as saying by the official Irna news agency. Rafsanjani has been seen as the leading contender in the race...

For those not familiar with the term "pucker factor," thought you'd enjoy this story which showed up today in my email. s/Cautor -----Original Message-----Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 8:23 Subject: Pilot's account of a recent Hornet barricade* recovery in the Pacific * A barricade is a huge net that is 20 ft high and stretches across the carrier in the landing area to 'catch' airplanes that must land in extreme cases such as this. how rare? in my 3 yrs as CO of IKE, I watched 36,000 landings - none into the barricade! Greetings Slacker Landlubbers! This is to share...