14 Comments
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Rat (don't laugh)'s avatar

If this turns out to be reproducible in animals other than mice, it may open the path to a whole new category of biological weapons. «Genetic silencing of this body-to-brain circuit produced unregulated and out-of-control inflammatory responses.» (from the summary linked)

I do not share author's concern with «capitalism» as capitalists, for the most part, want their customers alive. (Although creating addicts dependent on continuous supply of a product is of course a thing.)

Military and politicians, on the other hand...

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Stefania's avatar

I am also worried that the research could be scuttled by the pharmaceutical companies: if the process is confirmed in humans too, and all the conditions are in place, the production of a huge number of drugs would basically stop.

This would imply a huge financial loss.

I'm afraid it won't be accepted.

Without being conspiracy theorists, we all know well that altruism is not what guides the boards of directors of pharmaceutical companies...

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Emma M.'s avatar

The conspiracy theorists in this case are those directors and boards conspiring against the public interest and common good!

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Emma M.'s avatar

Better a customer that dies a customer than one who can make a purchase that makes them cease to be one any longer, that's how they see it. This isn't really a concern or opinion, it's fact that is how business leaders and investors think and it's a huge part of why research and policy is all focused on treatment and not curing or when possible outright preventing illness of all kinds. Cancer research as just one example would be in a very different place otherwise.

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MarcusBierce's avatar

Correct. Dual use, as ever

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The Mick's avatar

The vagus nerve...or the Grand Nagus😂..the superhighway that "governs" or "regulates" many important faculties, not only inflammation control.........🤯

Down the rabbit hole we go.

Twas mentioned a while back....

Good work, one step closer to understanding real biology.

Cheers

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Roman S Shapoval's avatar

Best way to dial down inflammation is by removing the #1 toxin in our lives we're all exposed to 24/7, blue light: https://romanshapoval.substack.com/p/why-parkinsons-begins-in-the-eye

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Emma M.'s avatar

Interesting, but I unfortunately remain unconvinced until this can be replicated in humans, since there's many seemingly amazing discoveries that sadly do not end up working out in the end. Hopefully this will be one that does.

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Katharine Johnson's avatar

Vagus nerve stuff is tricky. It’s very hard to demonstrate and it goes against many theories of mental illness, disease, and gut health. It’s not studied enough and we’re all so unique. In a perfect world sure, but billionaires aren’t giving money away for something like this. They’re hoarding it and keeping money for themselves. We’re at late-stage capitalism times and… it’s not going to happen in our lifetimes. I hate to be the pessimist in the room but I’m not holding my breath. 🙏🙏

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Adin's avatar

This has huge implications for neuro-immune conditions, especially ones with documented vagus nerve dysfunction/dyautonomia!

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the suck of sorrow's avatar

This is a very hopeful research finding.

When our leaders can safely take time out from protecting our market's health from the pernicious threat of communism, then perhaps they can direct some funding for followup studies. After all, there are priorities.

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Stefania's avatar

It is truly a huge hope. It would be an epochal turning point.

If they rained down funds in a short time there could be a huge turning point and not just for autoimmune diseases. This changes the entire approach to the treatment of viral or inflammatory diseases and could completely change the therapeutic protocols.

I am also worried that the research could be scuttled by the pharmaceutical companies: if the process is confirmed in humans too, and all the conditions are in place, the production of a huge number of drugs would basically stop

😳

This would imply a huge financial loss.

I'm afraid it won't be accepted.

Without being conspiracy theorists, we all know well that altruism is not what guides the boards of directors of pharmaceutical companies...

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May 11
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Katharine Johnson's avatar

They will never move beyond that. No money in health. Not in the US. Until it saves the whole government tax dollars/budget, they will never prioritize health and wellness of the population. Sick people make the insurance companies too much money. Sigh. Be well, friend. Let’s take care of the mice together. 💞🙏

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May 5
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Katharine Johnson's avatar

Dangerous anti-science rhetoric. Please delete this comment, someone with power.

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