As I said in a post a short time ago, I need to educate myself more on this subject. However, primitive as my understanding is, already I'm able to spot some spin BS.
Prions are organic compounds that can attach themselves to the outer sheath of a neuron. In this specialized (and to the prions, ideal) environment, the prions will replicate themselves. As they multiply, they work their way back up the neuron to the spinal column - and then the brain. If the particular prions "infecting" an individual "critter", are from the same species, then the reproduction process producing more prions is relatively expeditious. If the prions came from a different species, there is a preliminary period, during which they are becoming accommodated to their new host environment. During this phase they reproduction speed is retarded.
Given these factors, you can see how spurious are statements like the incubation is x to y years. Are the infecting prions from the same species? Is the site of the initial infection close to the brain, or at the end of an extremity? The answers to these questions make all the difference - a difference between months and decades.
"Feel good" statements by various federal, and industry officials are likely to backfire, if the public begins to believe they are being misled. Once lost, trust is almost impossible to regain.
JMO
lurqer |
