naturalnews--2020-02-18--Quarantine isn't enough: Wuhan coronavirus R0 is so high that even the most draconian lockdown measu

Quarantine isn't enough: Wuhan coronavirus R0 is so high that even the most draconian lockdown measures can't contain it

( Natural News ) The latest basic reproductive number ( R0 ) estimates for the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) suggest that this thing is a whole lot more infectious than initially believed .
It ’ s become so serious , in fact , that even communist China ’ s implementation of medical martial law is reportedly unable to contain it .
Some of the latest science into the outbreak reveals the number of people being infected by the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) is doubling every 2.4 days , with an R0 of between 4.7 and 6.6 .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a whole lot worse before they ever have the chance to get better .
A paper published in the journal medRxiv , which is associated with the British Medical Journal , suggests that quarantine and contract tracing alone “ may not be effective ” to fully contain the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) , and that “ early , strong control measures are needed.
” What these early , strong control measures might entail isn ’ t fully spelled out in this paper , though it does make mention of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamics of other surrounding areas that have had to worry slightly less about the import of new cases .
Further , the paper estimates that the growth rate of the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) has decreased from 0.29 per day to about 0.14 per day since January 30 .
Based on the paper ’ s calculations , this decreases the disease ’ s R0 from an earlier range of between 4.7 to 6.6 , to 2.3 to 3.0 .
Again , these are merely estimates , and as we ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly changing .
But the point is that , even with the most draconian of containment measures , the infection rate is still alarmingly high and there ’ s really no stopping this virus until it eventually runs its course .
Part of the problem is that the Wuhan coronavirus appears to be able to infect others even while still in incubation , meaning infected patients transmitting it to others aren ’ t necessarily even showing symptoms themselves .
Listen below as Mike Adams , the Health Ranger , discusses this on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Hear more daily podcasts at Brighteon.com/channel/hrreport ) Don ’ t be fooled : The Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) outbreak is only just getting started Despite this estimated decrease in its R0 , the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) is “ still rapidly growing , ” according to the paper , and has spread to more than 20 different countries as of February 5 .
And how it will spread in these other countries in the coming days “ remains to be seen.
” In other words , just because the rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan doesn ’ t mean that the same is true everywhere else .
Chances are there will be spikes in cases that begin to emerge well outside of China as the first few cases balloon into a few more cases , which in turn skyrocket , potentially .
Even with a lowered R0 , of let ’ s say 3.0 , this still means that the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) will spread to three additional people for every one person it infects , which means exponential growth .
Unless its R0 can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) is only just getting started , so don ’ t let your guard down quite yet .
The jury is also out as to how deadly the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) really is , with the official numbers not necessarily matching what ’ s actually happening .
“ If the value of R0 is as high in other countries , our results suggest that active and strong population-wide social distancing efforts , such as closing down transportation system ( s ) , schools , discouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reduce the overall contacts to contain the spread of the virus , ” the paper concludes .
More coronavirus news is available at Outbreak.news .
You can also catch other episodes of the H.R .
Report at Brighteon.com .

Quarantine isn’t enough: Wuhan coronavirus R0 is so high that even the most draconian lockdown measures can’t contain it
The latest basic reproductive number (R0) estimates for the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) suggest that this thing is a whole lot more infectious than initially believed. It's become so serious, in fact, that even communist China's implementation of medical martial law is reportedly unable to contain it.
Some of the latest science into the outbreak reveals the number of people being infected by the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) is doubling every 2.4 days, with an R0 of between 4.7 and 6.6. If this is accurate, things are about to get a whole lot worse before they ever have the chance to get better.
A paper published in the journal medRxiv, which is associated with the British Medical Journal, suggests that quarantine and contract tracing alone "may not be effective" to fully contain the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19), and that "early, strong control measures are needed."
What these early, strong control measures might entail isn't fully spelled out in this paper, though it does make mention of how the full closure of Wuhan changed the dynamics of other surrounding areas that have had to worry slightly less about the import of new cases.
Further, the paper estimates that the growth rate of the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) has decreased from 0.29 per day to about 0.14 per day since January 30. Based on the paper's calculations, this decreases the disease's R0 from an earlier range of between 4.7 to 6.6, to 2.3 to 3.0.
Again, these are merely estimates, and as we've seen in recent days, the numbers are constantly changing. But the point is that, even with the most draconian of containment measures, the infection rate is still alarmingly high and there's really no stopping this virus until it eventually runs its course.
Part of the problem is that the Wuhan coronavirus appears to be able to infect others even while still in incubation, meaning infected patients transmitting it to others aren't necessarily even showing symptoms themselves. Listen below as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses this on an episode of The Health Ranger Report. (Hear more daily podcasts at Brighteon.com/channel/hrreport )
Don't be fooled: The Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) outbreak is only just getting started
Despite this estimated decrease in its R0, the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) is "still rapidly growing," according to the paper, and has spread to more than 20 different countries as of February 5. And how it will spread in these other countries in the coming days "remains to be seen."
In other words, just because the rate of growth appears to be slowing in Wuhan doesn't mean that the same is true everywhere else. Chances are there will be spikes in cases that begin to emerge well outside of China as the first few cases balloon into a few more cases, which in turn skyrocket, potentially.
Even with a lowered R0, of let's say 3.0, this still means that the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) will spread to three additional people for every one person it infects, which means exponential growth. Unless its R0 can be brought down to zero or below, the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) is only just getting started, so don't let your guard down quite yet.
The jury is also out as to how deadly the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) really is, with the official numbers not necessarily matching what's actually happening.
"If the value of R0 is as high in other countries, our results suggest that active and strong population-wide social distancing efforts, such as closing down transportation system(s), schools, discouraging travel, etc., might be needed to reduce the overall contacts to contain the spread of the virus," the paper concludes.
More coronavirus news is available at Outbreak.news.
You can also catch other episodes of the H.R. Report at Brighteon.com.
Sources for this article include:
medRxiv.org
NaturalNews.com
Brighteon.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--Chinese boss of Wuhan hospital dies from coronavirus; communist government assures world they someho

( Natural News ) We ’ ve now learned that Liu Zhiming , head of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan , China , where novel coronavirus patients are being treated , has himself died of pneumonia stemming from a CoVid-19 infection .
An announcement from the official state media of communist China reveals that Liu is the first hospital director , and really major figure in general , to die thus far while battling the virus in its epicenter .
Despite “ all-out ” attempts to save him , Liu succumbed to the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) at its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death , the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission honored Liu for his “ important contributions in the work of fighting and controlling ” the deadly virus .
“ Unfortunately , he became infected and passed away at 10:54 Tuesday morning at the age of 51 after all-out efforts to save him failed , ” the commission somberly reported .
Liu ’ s death marks at least the seventh medical worker to die from the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) since the outbreak first took hold .
And don ’ t be fooled : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a major outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) here in the United States does not mean we ’ re in the clear .
The disease can apparently spread without symptoms , as explained below in an episode of The Health Ranger Report with Mike Adams : How long will it be until there ’ s a coronavirus death here in the U.S. ?
News of Liu ’ s death echoes back to another similar death , that of fellow Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang .
As we reported , Li was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which eventually spread to the general public , that the Wuhan coronavirus was a threat back in December 2019 .
The communist Chinese regime quickly silenced him with threats of punishment , and also handed him a misdemeanor for creating a stir .
But it turns out he was right , though Li has since passed from the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) himself .
As we ’ re all now witnessing , the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) is no laughing matter .
Its devastating impact continues to be observed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new quarantines both in China and in the United States .
The virus can reportedly persist on surfaces for anywhere between two hours to nine days .
It allegedly prefers colder , more humid conditions .
What this means is that moist winter air could be causing the Wuhan coronavirus ( CoVid-19 ) to last a lot longer outside of human bodies than it otherwise would , which could explain why people are now starting to contract it from unknown sources .
Amazingly , coronaviruses can actually persist for up to a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including at temperatures between 4°C or 39.2°F .
At room temperature , a strain of coronavirus known as HCoV-229E persisted significantly longer in 50 percent humidity compared to 30 percent humidity .
“ Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days , ” a recent study explains .
“ At a temperature of 30°C [ 86°F ] or more , the duration of persistence is shorter .
Veterinary coronaviruses have been shown to persist even longer for 28 d [ ays ] .
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest using hydrogen peroxide , ethanol , and/or sodium hypochlorite ( a chemical found in bleach ) .
These , they say , can quickly and successfully inactivate coronaviruses .
“ Surface disinfection with 0.1 % sodium hypochlorite or 62–71 % ethanol significantly reduces coronavirus infectivity on surfaces within 1 min [ ute ] exposure time , ” this same paper explains .
As of this writing , some 760 million Chinese people – more than twice the U.S. population – are currently in mandatory quarantine .
This is despite the very low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just fine ” Chinese regime .
Hear more podcasts each day from the H.R .
Report channel on Brighteon.com .
You can also keep up with the latest coronavirus news at Outbreak.news .

Chinese boss of Wuhan hospital dies from coronavirus; communist government assures world they somehow have it all under control
We've now learned that Liu Zhiming, head of the Wuchang Hospital in Wuhan, China, where novel coronavirus patients are being treated, has himself died of pneumonia stemming from a CoVid-19 infection.
An announcement from the official state media of communist China reveals that Liu is the first hospital director, and really major figure in general, to die thus far while battling the virus in its epicenter.
Despite "all-out" attempts to save him, Liu succumbed to the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) at its worst.
In an official announcement about his death, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission honored Liu for his "important contributions in the work of fighting and controlling" the deadly virus.
"Unfortunately, he became infected and passed away at 10:54 Tuesday morning at the age of 51 after all-out efforts to save him failed," the commission somberly reported.
Liu's death marks at least the seventh medical worker to die from the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) since the outbreak first took hold.
And don't be fooled: Just because we're not yet seeing a major outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) here in the United States does not mean we're in the clear. The disease can apparently spread without symptoms, as explained below in an episode of The Health Ranger Report with Mike Adams:
How long will it be until there's a coronavirus death here in the U.S.?
News of Liu's death echoes back to another similar death, that of fellow Wuhan doctor Li Wenliang.
As we reported, Li was the first to warn his fellow colleagues, which eventually spread to the general public, that the Wuhan coronavirus was a threat back in December 2019.
The communist Chinese regime quickly silenced him with threats of punishment, and also handed him a misdemeanor for creating a stir. But it turns out he was right, though Li has since passed from the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) himself.
As we're all now witnessing, the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) is no laughing matter. Its devastating impact continues to be observed with new infections, new deaths, and new quarantines both in China and in the United States.
The virus can reportedly persist on surfaces for anywhere between two hours to nine days. It allegedly prefers colder, more humid conditions.
What this means is that moist winter air could be causing the Wuhan coronavirus (CoVid-19) to last a lot longer outside of human bodies than it otherwise would, which could explain why people are now starting to contract it from unknown sources.
Amazingly, coronaviruses can actually persist for up to a month if the conditions are just right, including at temperatures between 4°C or 39.2°F. At room temperature, a strain of coronavirus known as HCoV-229E persisted significantly longer in 50 percent humidity compared to 30 percent humidity.
"Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days," a recent study explains. "At a temperature of 30°C [86°F] or more, the duration of persistence is shorter. Veterinary coronaviruses have been shown to persist even longer for 28 d[ays]."
As for eradicating coronaviruses on surfaces, experts suggest using hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and/or sodium hypochlorite (a chemical found in bleach). These, they say, can quickly and successfully inactivate coronaviruses.
"Surface disinfection with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite or 62–71% ethanol significantly reduces coronavirus infectivity on surfaces within 1 min[ute] exposure time," this same paper explains.
As of this writing, some 760 million Chinese people – more than twice the U.S. population – are currently in mandatory quarantine. This is despite the very low numbers being reported by the "everything is just fine" Chinese regime.
Hear more podcasts each day from the H.R. Report channel on Brighteon.com.
You can also keep up with the latest coronavirus news at Outbreak.news.
Sources for this article include:
ZeroHedge.com
NYPost.com
NaturalNews.com
MedicalNewsToday.com
Brighteon.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--“Obama judge” Amy Berman Jackson refuses to hold off sentencing Roger Stone despite the fact that LE

( Natural News ) When U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked President Donald Trump in the fall of 2018 over the latter ’ s comments about “ Obama judges , ” we thought it was quite comical , not naive , of the head jurist to make that ridiculous claim .
“ We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges , Bush judges or Clinton judges , ” Roberts — who should have remained quiet in the first place — said .
Of course there are “ Obama judges , Bush judges , Clinton judges ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a political sin to try and convince Americans that the Judicial Branch is “ independent ” and not filled with political appointees who merely call themselves “ judges.
” It ’ s why the political parties fight so hard for control of the Senate — because it is the chamber of Congress where federal judges and Supreme Court justices are confirmed ( or blocked ) .
Our founders believed that the men and women appointed to the federal bench for life would remain politically aloof but as we ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents have used the Senate to appoint judges who share their personal political views .
This was evident once again this week as was demonstrated by an “ Obama judge ” — Amy Berman Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia .
She is the judge hearing the case involving longtime Trump ally Roger Stone .
In recent days , reports surfaced that the lead juror in Stone ’ s case harbored an ardent anti-Trump bias that she intentionally hid from the court and , importantly , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schools Board President Tomeka Hart revealed in a Facebook post she was the foreperson of the jury that convicted Stone .
She explained that she was angered after the four government lawyers handling Stone ’ s prosecution quit the case when the Justice Department intervened to recommend a lower sentence than the seven-to-nine years they were seeking .
‘ I am unable to find any law… ’ In short order , investigative journalist Mike Cernovich managed to uncover several of Hart ’ s tweets , all of which were disparaging of President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hashtag # KKKPresident .
“ This is information that she must have hidden from the lawyers and the judge , who interrogated her before she was put on the jury , ” said Fox News legal analyst and former judge Andrew Napolitano .
“ The purpose of the interrogation is to weed out people that have a bias prejudice , knowledge of the case or interest in the outcome , ” he explained .
“ She obviously had a prejudice against Roger Stone — a bias in favor of his prosecution and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ automatically disqualify her.
” And yet , no one ( but Hart ) knew of her bias until after Stone was convicted .
So much for a ‘ fair ’ trial .
Stone ’ s legal team has attempted twice to convince Berman Jackson to hold a new trial because he deserves one .
And twice she has refused to do so .
Now , according to reports Tuesday , she plans to move forward with Stone ’ s regularly-scheduled sentencing on Thursday , while she ‘ considers ’ another request for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find any law that would require that such a motion be resolved before sentencing , ” Berman Jackson said Tuesday morning , according to the Washington Examiner .
“ I think delaying the sentence would not be a prudent thing to do , given all the circumstances , unless I ’ m required to do so.
” ‘ All the circumstances ?
’ Like , a blatantly biased juror ?
How come that isn ’ t a consideration ?
And would it be if she wasn ’ t an “ Obama judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animosity towards President Trump and Republican operatives like Stone ?
“ The proper thing for the judge to do , ” Napolitano said , “ is to bring this juror back in the courtroom in the presence of Roger Stone and his lawyers , and in the presence of the four prosecutors who have since resigned … and interrogate this woman in order to determine whether the bias influenced her guilty vote and whether that bias was passed on to other members of the jury.
” So much for that .

“Obama judge” Amy Berman Jackson refuses to hold off sentencing Roger Stone despite the fact that LEAD juror lied about her anti-Trump bias
When U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked President Donald Trump in the fall of 2018 over the latter’s comments about “Obama judges,” we thought it was quite comical, not naive, of the head jurist to make that ridiculous claim.
“We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges,” Roberts — who should have remained quiet in the first place — said.
Of course there are “Obama judges, Bush judges, Clinton judges” — and now “Trump judges.” It’s a political sin to try and convince Americans that the Judicial Branch is “independent” and not filled with political appointees who merely call themselves “judges.”
It’s why the political parties fight so hard for control of the Senate — because it is the chamber of Congress where federal judges and Supreme Court justices are confirmed (or blocked).
Our founders believed that the men and women appointed to the federal bench for life would remain politically aloof but as we’ve seen for more than a hundred years, presidents have used the Senate to appoint judges who share their personal political views.
This was evident once again this week as was demonstrated by an “Obama judge” — Amy Berman Jackson of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. She is the judge hearing the case involving longtime Trump ally Roger Stone.
In recent days, reports surfaced that the lead juror in Stone’s case harbored an ardent anti-Trump bias that she intentionally hid from the court and, importantly, from Stone’s attorneys.
As NewsTarget reported:
…Memphis City Schools Board President Tomeka Hart revealed in a Facebook post she was the foreperson of the jury that convicted Stone. She explained that she was angered after the four government lawyers handling Stone’s prosecution quit the case when the Justice Department intervened to recommend a lower sentence than the seven-to-nine years they were seeking.
‘I am unable to find any law…’
In short order, investigative journalist Mike Cernovich managed to uncover several of Hart’s tweets, all of which were disparaging of President Trump, one even addressing him with the hashtag #KKKPresident.
https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/1227764653071036416
“This is information that she must have hidden from the lawyers and the judge, who interrogated her before she was put on the jury,” said Fox News legal analyst and former judge Andrew Napolitano.
“The purpose of the interrogation is to weed out people that have a bias prejudice, knowledge of the case or interest in the outcome,” he explained. “She obviously had a prejudice against Roger Stone — a bias in favor of his prosecution and an interest in seeing him convicted that should automatically disqualify her.”
And yet, no one (but Hart) knew of her bias until after Stone was convicted. So much for a ‘fair’ trial.
Stone’s legal team has attempted twice to convince Berman Jackson to hold a new trial because he deserves one. And twice she has refused to do so. Now, according to reports Tuesday, she plans to move forward with Stone’s regularly-scheduled sentencing on Thursday, while she ‘considers’ another request for a new trial.
“I am unable to find any law that would require that such a motion be resolved before sentencing,” Berman Jackson said Tuesday morning, according to the Washington Examiner. “I think delaying the sentence would not be a prudent thing to do, given all the circumstances, unless I’m required to do so.”
‘All the circumstances?’ Like, a blatantly biased juror? How come that isn’t a consideration?
And would it be if she wasn’t an “Obama judge” who very likely also harbors political animosity towards President Trump and Republican operatives like Stone?
“The proper thing for the judge to do,” Napolitano said, “is to bring this juror back in the courtroom in the presence of Roger Stone and his lawyers, and in the presence of the four prosecutors who have since resigned … and interrogate this woman in order to determine whether the bias influenced her guilty vote and whether that bias was passed on to other members of the jury.”
So much for that.
Sources include:
NewsTarget.com
WashingtonExaminer.com
ChicagoTribune.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--SICKOS: Botswana auctions off licenses to kill elephants after hunting ban lifted

( Natural News ) A major auction was held in Botswana this month for licenses allowing big game hunters to kill elephants after the country ’ s president overturned a blanket ban on hunting the animals .
Botswana has the world ’ s greatest elephant population , but the majestic creatures are now under threat there as President Mokgweetsi Masisi revoked the moratorium put in place by his predecessor shortly after taking office .
The government sought to sell seven hunting packages that would take the lives of 10 elephants a piece in “ controlled hunting areas.
” Bidders were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience ” as well as a lack of previous wildlife criminal convictions .
To be eligible to bid , companies had to be owned by Botswana citizens or be registered in the country .
The auction was held at the Ministry of Environment , Nature Conservation and Tourism in the country ’ s capital , Gaborone .
The auction notice states that all elephant hunting expeditions must be accompanied by a professional guide at all times ; collared elephants can not be hunted .
The hunting season for this year is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , a period that covers the dry winter there , when thinner African bush makes it easier to spot the animals .
According to Reuters , just six bidders came up with the reserve fee of roughly $ 18,000 .
The buyers were all expedition operators who plan to sell the packages on to trophy hunters at a profit .
Most of these trophy hunters hail from the U.S. and will be allowed to export the trophies .
More than one third of the African continent ’ s total elephants can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeds 135,000 .
Many of them live within the Chobe National Park .
While elephant numbers across Africa have dropped by more than a third overall since 1979 , Botswana ’ s elephant population has risen significantly since the late 1990s .
The Masisi government claims that legal hunting is needed to reduce conflict between humans and elephants , but conservationists believe that more hunting could encourage illegal poaching .
The government has issued a quota for the murder of 272 elephants in 2020 , 202 of which will be directed toward foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration with the elephants entering their villages and trampling their crops , accusing conservationists of being foreigners who are trying to take away the livelihood gained from wildlife tourism .
However , studies have shown that the local communities there are not seeing the financial benefits promised by the hunting industry .
Botswana isn ’ t the only place that hunters who want to kill elephants can carry out these heinous acts .
This year , Zimbabwe is issuing 500 licenses to hunt elephants , while Namibia is issuing 90 .
Hunters generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day for the required professional hunter guide who must accompany them on the hunt , in addition to fees for accommodations and taxidermy .
Most of the hunts last 10 to 18 days .
Last year , Natural News reported that elephant poaching rates have been on the decline since 2011 , when more than 10 percent of the elephants in Africa were killed because of poaching .
In 2017 , that figure was just 4 percent , partly due to falling demand for ivory .
Nevertheless , it ’ s estimated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful animals are still being poached each year , and with roughly 350,000 elephants remaining in Africa , they could be headed toward extinction if the practice isn ’ t halted .

SICKOS: Botswana auctions off licenses to kill elephants after hunting ban lifted
A major auction was held in Botswana this month for licenses allowing big game hunters to kill elephants after the country’s president overturned a blanket ban on hunting the animals.
Botswana has the world’s greatest elephant population, but the majestic creatures are now under threat there as President Mokgweetsi Masisi revoked the moratorium put in place by his predecessor shortly after taking office.
The government sought to sell seven hunting packages that would take the lives of 10 elephants a piece in “controlled hunting areas.” Bidders were required to show “appropriate elephant hunting experience” as well as a lack of previous wildlife criminal convictions. To be eligible to bid, companies had to be owned by Botswana citizens or be registered in the country. The auction was held at the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism in the country’s capital, Gaborone.
The auction notice states that all elephant hunting expeditions must be accompanied by a professional guide at all times; collared elephants cannot be hunted. The hunting season for this year is expected to kick off in April and run through September, a period that covers the dry winter there, when thinner African bush makes it easier to spot the animals.
According to Reuters, just six bidders came up with the reserve fee of roughly $18,000. The buyers were all expedition operators who plan to sell the packages on to trophy hunters at a profit. Most of these trophy hunters hail from the U.S. and will be allowed to export the trophies.
Elephants under threat
More than one third of the African continent’s total elephants can be found in Botswana, whose elephant population exceeds 135,000. Many of them live within the Chobe National Park. While elephant numbers across Africa have dropped by more than a third overall since 1979, Botswana’s elephant population has risen significantly since the late 1990s.
The Masisi government claims that legal hunting is needed to reduce conflict between humans and elephants, but conservationists believe that more hunting could encourage illegal poaching.
The government has issued a quota for the murder of 272 elephants in 2020, 202 of which will be directed toward foreign hunters.
Some local residents have expressed frustration with the elephants entering their villages and trampling their crops, accusing conservationists of being foreigners who are trying to take away the livelihood gained from wildlife tourism. However, studies have shown that the local communities there are not seeing the financial benefits promised by the hunting industry.
Botswana isn’t the only place that hunters who want to kill elephants can carry out these heinous acts. This year, Zimbabwe is issuing 500 licenses to hunt elephants, while Namibia is issuing 90. Hunters generally have to pay several hundred dollars per day for the required professional hunter guide who must accompany them on the hunt, in addition to fees for accommodations and taxidermy. Most of the hunts last 10 to 18 days.
Last year, Natural News reported that elephant poaching rates have been on the decline since 2011, when more than 10 percent of the elephants in Africa were killed because of poaching. In 2017, that figure was just 4 percent, partly due to falling demand for ivory.
Nevertheless, it’s estimated that anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 of these beautiful animals are still being poached each year, and with roughly 350,000 elephants remaining in Africa, they could be headed toward extinction if the practice isn’t halted.
Sources for this article include:
EcoWatch.com
DailyMail.co.uk
NaturalNews.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--L.A. mayor, sheriff, prove why the rule of law means nothing in America anymore as they pledge to sh

( Natural News ) Tens of millions of Americans watching the Deep State shenanigans play out in Washington , D.C. , in regards to the “ Spygate ” coup attempt against President Donald Trump are convinced that there are now ‘ officially ’ two tiers of justice .
One tier protects the “ political establishment ” from prosecution , even if their crimes involve literally trying to remove a duly elected president from office .
The second tier is used to prosecute any and all perceived “ enemies ” of the political establishment .
Like anyone associated with that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lawlessness extends far beyond the city limits of Washington , D.C. , in fact , all the way out to the West Coast .
And as is the case in D.C. , the lawbreakers are officials charged with upholding our laws but are instead violating them with impunity and justifying their violations with phony morality .
As reported by PJ Media , the mayor of Los Angeles , Eric Garcetti , and his police chief , just made a ‘ public service video ’ informing all illegal aliens living within the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shielded from any efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to deport them — after they broke the law coming into our country .
“ Regardless of your immigration status , I want every Angeleno to know your city is on your side , ” said Garcetti .
“ Here in Los Angeles , our police department does not coordinate with ICE or participate in immigration enforcement.
” Chief Michel Moore also weighed in : “ Our police force does not do the job of federal law enforcement…we will not enforce immigration laws.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department filed suit against the state of California over its ‘ sanctuary state ’ designation , which DoJ officials say help shield even criminal aliens from prosecution , making American citizens less safe .
But beyond that , let ’ s take this insubordinate , arrogant attitude several steps further .
What happens if the state of California decides to begin depriving anyone who is a conservative or a Trump supporter the right to keep and bear arms ?
Or speak freely ?
What ’ s to stop Garcia and Moore from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police force does not do the job of the Justice Department…we will not enforce federal laws and constitutional provisions protecting free speech and the right to keep and bear arms.
” Sound ridiculous ?
Consider the fact that California , along with a rising number of other mostly blue states , are now blatantly ignoring federal laws against the recreational use of marijuana .
And that has nothing to do with whether or not you agree with recreational use of marijuana ; you may , and that ’ s fine .
But right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s against federal law to smoke dope just because you like it .
And yet , several states have passed their own laws to allow recreational use of marijuana in direct defiance of the federal statutes .
Does that really matter ?
You bet it does .
The founders foresaw a time when states might go rogue and try to subjugate federal authority through a process known as “ nullification ” — or doing what L.A. is doing , simply ignoring federal law .
Article VI , Paragraph 2 of the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and “ it establishes that the federal constitution , and federal law generally , take precedence over state laws , and even state constitutions , ” Cornell Law School notes .
Importantly , while the clause does not require states to enforce federal laws , there is the inference that states will do so .
Also , the clause “ prohibits states from interfering with the federal government ’ s exercise of its constitutional powers , ” which includes immigration enforcement .
By refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ interfering ” with federal law enforcement .
The fact is , we either have the rule of law in America — in which every citizen is treated equally and every state is required to participate — or we don ’ t .
And if we don ’ t , we don ’ t really have a functional country anymore .

L.A. mayor, sheriff, prove why the rule of law means nothing in America anymore as they pledge to shield ILLEGAL aliens from deportation
Tens of millions of Americans watching the Deep State shenanigans play out in Washington, D.C., in regards to the “Spygate” coup attempt against President Donald Trump are convinced that there are now ‘officially’ two tiers of justice
One tier protects the “political establishment” from prosecution, even if their crimes involve literally trying to remove a duly elected president from office. The second tier is used to prosecute any and all perceived “enemies” of the political establishment.
Like anyone associated with that “interloper,” President Trump.
But the lawlessness extends far beyond the city limits of Washington, D.C., in fact, all the way out to the West Coast. And as is the case in D.C., the lawbreakers are officials charged with upholding our laws but are instead violating them with impunity and justifying their violations with phony morality.
As reported by PJ Media, the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti, and his police chief, just made a ‘public service video’ informing all illegal aliens living within the city’s jurisdiction that they will be shielded from any efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to deport them — after they broke the law coming into our country.
“Regardless of your immigration status, I want every Angeleno to know your city is on your side," said Garcetti. "Here in Los Angeles, our police department does not coordinate with ICE or participate in immigration enforcement.”
Chief Michel Moore also weighed in: “Our police force does not do the job of federal law enforcement...we will not enforce immigration laws.”
The video comes after the Trump Justice Department filed suit against the state of California over its ‘sanctuary state’ designation, which DoJ officials say help shield even criminal aliens from prosecution, making American citizens less safe.
But beyond that, let’s take this insubordinate, arrogant attitude several steps further.
The ‘Supremacy Clause’
What happens if the state of California decides to begin depriving anyone who is a conservative or a Trump supporter the right to keep and bear arms? Or speak freely? What’s to stop Garcia and Moore from saying, “Our city and our police force does not do the job of the Justice Department…we will not enforce federal laws and constitutional provisions protecting free speech and the right to keep and bear arms.”
Sound ridiculous? Consider the fact that California, along with a rising number of other mostly blue states, are now blatantly ignoring federal laws against the recreational use of marijuana. And that has nothing to do with whether or not you agree with recreational use of marijuana; you may, and that’s fine.
But right now, right this instant, it’s against federal law to smoke dope just because you like it. And yet, several states have passed their own laws to allow recreational use of marijuana in direct defiance of the federal statutes.
Does that really matter? You bet it does.
The founders foresaw a time when states might go rogue and try to subjugate federal authority through a process known as “nullification” — or doing what L.A. is doing, simply ignoring federal law.
Article VI, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution is commonly called the “Supremacy Clause,” and “it establishes that the federal constitution, and federal law generally, take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions,” Cornell Law School notes.
Importantly, while the clause does not require states to enforce federal laws, there is the inference that states will do so. Also, the clause “prohibits states from interfering with the federal government’s exercise of its constitutional powers,” which includes immigration enforcement.
By refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, L.A. and other blue states are effectively “interfering” with federal law enforcement.
The fact is, we either have the rule of law in America — in which every citizen is treated equally and every state is required to participate — or we don’t. And if we don’t, we don’t really have a functional country anymore.
Sources include:
law.Cornell.edu
PJMedia.com
NewsTarget.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--Researchers are looking to peptides to combat drug-resistant microbes

( Natural News ) Anti-microbial resistance can be defined as the ability of microorganisms ( e.g.
, bacteria , fungi and viruses ) to change upon exposure to an anti-microbial component and reduce its effectiveness .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has labeled the spread of anti-microbial resistance as a global health concern because it threatens the ability of humans to treat common infectious diseases .
Today , plenty of cases wherein anti-microbial-resistant microorganisms or “ superbugs ” caused prolonged illness , disabilities and death have been reported .
Due to the emergence of superbugs on a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find new and potent anti-microbial factors .
In an article published in the journal Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine , researchers from the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Poland reviewed the results of studies on the use of anti-microbial peptides ( AMPs ) to combat infections in vivo .
These peptides are not only varied and very promising , they also occur abundantly in nature .
AMPs are molecules produced by all living organisms , including plants , animals and humans .
Because they are products of the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AMPs are also called host defense peptides .
Scientists consider them a new class of therapeutic agents for the prophylaxis ( prevention ) and treatment of systemic and topical infections .
( Related : Researchers identify natural peptides that fight bacteria , reducing our need for antibiotics . )
One of the most important areas for the application of AMPs is ophthalmology .
AMPs may be used for the protection of contact lenses from ocular pathogens .
Several AMPs , such as pexiganan ( magainin analog ) , MX-226 ( based on indolicidin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein ) , IB-367 ( variant of porcine protegrin ) , P113 ( based on histatin ) , daptomycin , polymyxins and peptidomimetics , are currently undergoing clinical trials for application in the treatment of local infections .
For systemic infections , AMPs like P113D ( modified P113 containing D-amino acids ) , colistin , peptoids and peptides containing non-typical amino acids or non-peptide elements are also being studied .
AMPs have even found use as anti-protozoal , anti-fungal , anti-toxic and immune-stimulating agents .
However , some AMPs may be limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resistance to peptides .
The Polish researchers believe that the use of AMPs is a promising strategy in the fight against microbial infections .
According to studies , AMPs are conserved in the genome of all life forms .
Bacteria naturally produce AMPs in order to kill other bacteria in competition .
As a result , bacterial AMPs exhibit a wide range of anti-microbial activity and are effective against not only Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria , but also viruses , fungi and protozoans ( parasites ) .
In contrast , the human body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself against infections .
Human AMPs are found mainly within granules of neutrophils — white blood cells that help heal damaged tissue and resolve infections — or in secretions from cells that cover the skin .
In the skin alone , there are about 100 AMPs to be found , the best characterized of which are cathelicidins and defensins .
Cathelicidins are the first AMPs discovered by scientists .
They are found in humans , some types of fish and common farm animals .
In humans , cathelicidins are produced by a type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These cells are responsible for mediating inflammatory responses , such as hypersensitivity and allergic reactions .
Cathelicidins exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-microbial activity against bacteria , enveloped viruses and fungi .
They are also known to trigger specific defense responses in their host .
Defensins are AMPs found at high concentrations in human epithelial cells and phagocytes — cells that engulf bacteria .
Insects and plants also have defensins : While the former ’ s are more active against bacteria , the latter ’ s tend to be active against fungi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either alpha-defensins or beta-defensins .
Alpha-defensins are produced by Paneth cells in the intestine to help reduce the number of bacteria in the lumen , while beta-defensins are secreted by white blood cells and epithelial cells for protection against microbial infections .
Besides anti-microbial plants , AMPs present a promising solution to anti-microbial resistance .
Learn more about immunity and these natural antibiotics at ImmuneSystem.news .

Researchers are looking to peptides to combat drug-resistant microbes
Anti-microbial resistance can be defined as the ability of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi and viruses) to change upon exposure to an anti-microbial component and reduce its effectiveness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled the spread of anti-microbial resistance as a global health concern because it threatens the ability of humans to treat common infectious diseases. Today, plenty of cases wherein anti-microbial-resistant microorganisms or "superbugs" caused prolonged illness, disabilities and death have been reported.
Due to the emergence of superbugs on a global scale, scientists are doubling their efforts to find new and potent anti-microbial factors. In an article published in the journal Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, researchers from the Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Poland reviewed the results of studies on the use of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) to combat infections in vivo. These peptides are not only varied and very promising, they also occur abundantly in nature.
Anti-microbial peptides as therapeutic agents
AMPs are molecules produced by all living organisms, including plants, animals and humans. Because they are products of the immune system and part of immune response, AMPs are also called host defense peptides. Scientists consider them a new class of therapeutic agents for the prophylaxis (prevention) and treatment of systemic and topical infections. (Related: Researchers identify natural peptides that fight bacteria, reducing our need for antibiotics.)
One of the most important areas for the application of AMPs is ophthalmology. AMPs may be used for the protection of contact lenses from ocular pathogens. Several AMPs, such as pexiganan (magainin analog), MX-226 (based on indolicidin), NEUPREX (derived from human bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein), IB-367 (variant of porcine protegrin), P113 (based on histatin), daptomycin, polymyxins and peptidomimetics, are currently undergoing clinical trials for application in the treatment of local infections.
For systemic infections, AMPs like P113D (modified P113 containing D-amino acids), colistin, peptoids and peptides containing non-typical amino acids or non-peptide elements are also being studied. AMPs have even found use as anti-protozoal, anti-fungal, anti-toxic and immune-stimulating agents. However, some AMPs may be limited by their susceptibility to proteolysis and microbial resistance to peptides.
The Polish researchers believe that the use of AMPs is a promising strategy in the fight against microbial infections.
Human anti-microbial peptides and their biological roles
According to studies, AMPs are conserved in the genome of all life forms. Bacteria naturally produce AMPs in order to kill other bacteria in competition. As a result, bacterial AMPs exhibit a wide range of anti-microbial activity and are effective against not only Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and protozoans (parasites).
In contrast, the human body produces AMPs as a means to protect itself against infections. Human AMPs are found mainly within granules of neutrophils -- white blood cells that help heal damaged tissue and resolve infections -- or in secretions from cells that cover the skin. In the skin alone, there are about 100 AMPs to be found, the best characterized of which are cathelicidins and defensins.
Cathelicidins are the first AMPs discovered by scientists. They are found in humans, some types of fish and common farm animals. In humans, cathelicidins are produced by a type of immune cell known as mast cells. These cells are responsible for mediating inflammatory responses, such as hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Cathelicidins exhibit a broad spectrum of anti-microbial activity against bacteria, enveloped viruses and fungi. They are also known to trigger specific defense responses in their host.
Defensins are AMPs found at high concentrations in human epithelial cells and phagocytes -- cells that engulf bacteria. Insects and plants also have defensins: While the former's are more active against bacteria, the latter's tend to be active against fungi. Human defensins can be classified as either alpha-defensins or beta-defensins. Alpha-defensins are produced by Paneth cells in the intestine to help reduce the number of bacteria in the lumen, while beta-defensins are secreted by white blood cells and epithelial cells for protection against microbial infections.
Besides anti-microbial plants, AMPs present a promising solution to anti-microbial resistance. Learn more about immunity and these natural antibiotics at ImmuneSystem.news.
Sources include:
Science.news
WHO.int
MedicalNewsToday.com
AAEM.pl
FrontiersIn.org
DermNetNZ.org
Britannica.com
Link.Springer.com
ScienceDirect.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--Understanding the causes and treatments of joint pain

( Natural News ) Joints refer to the parts of the body where your bones meet each other , particularly in the shoulders , elbows , knees and hips .
These connections allow the bones to move around .
However , as you grow older , you may start to experience pain and discomfort emanating from these joints .
People often see this developing joint pain as a normal part of aging and would not really make much of a fuss over it .
However , these symptoms might also indicate the development of arthritis .
What exactly causes this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how would you get relief ?
The reason behind the pain in your knees As previously mentioned , joint pain can simply be a normal part of aging .
But , it can also signal a possible arthritis symptom .
To know if your joint pain is related to arthritis , you need to take a closer look at four major factors that are common among all patients with arthritis .
• Joint swelling .
People with arthritis often experience inflammation in the joints , leading to their swelling as well .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , or occurs more than three times per month , it is highly likely that you have arthritis .
If this happens , consult your local health practitioner as soon as possible .
• Joint stiffness .
One of the very first indicators of arthritis happens to be stiffness in the joints .
This particular factor is noticeable when patients wake up in the morning or when they are inactive for a long period .
• Joint pain .
Pain in arthritis is unique in the fact that it does not really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some patients may experience fleeting pain that comes and goes while others suffer from constant pain .
In addition , patients can even experience pain while they are resting or when they are moving and is not limited to one region of the body .
• Difficulty in moving or decreased joint flexibility .
All of the three factors above can make it quite difficult to move your joints , making every small movement an ordeal to get through .
Of the four factors , pain is the most prominent symptom among arthritis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem that affects various parts of your life .
Listed below are the four types of arthritis that cause a lot of pain to patients .
• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease .
This type of arthritis is the most common type found in patients over the age of 50 .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , osteoarthritis affects over 30 million adults in the United States alone .
Osteoarthritis is often referred to as the “ wear and tear ” disease because the cushioning in the joints — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear off as you grow older .
This causes the joints to grow stiff and lose their elasticity .
It also makes the joints more prone to damage .
• Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) .
While this is another common type of arthritis , it is very different from osteoarthritis .
RA is known to develop in joints present on both sides of the body , a property unique only to this variation of arthritis .
Researchers consider RA as an autoimmune disease , meaning that it develops as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own tissue .
This arthritis is often associated with early death , but an early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent or even slow down its progression .
• Fibromyalgia .
This form of arthritic disorder can lead to pain and tenderness in various parts of the body .
This is usually accompanied by sleeping issues and fatigue .
• Polymyalgia rheumatica .
Considered less common than other types of arthritis , polymyalgia rheumatica involves joint pain and stiffness in large joints of the body like the hip and shoulders .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it is important to find ways to deal with the pain associated with these conditions .
Unfortunately , there is no be-all , end-all solution that can completely eliminate pain in those suffering from arthritis .
However , there are certain strategies you can adopt that can help make the pain more manageable .
( Related : Arthritis pain ?
Get relief at home with these natural remedies . )
• Stay physically active by following a routine that focuses on moderate-level exercise .
• Always stretch before doing a workout to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your joints .
• Keep your body weight within a healthy range to lessen the stress on your joints .
Learn more about joint pain and the diseases associated with it at Health.news .

Understanding the causes and treatments of joint pain
Joints refer to the parts of the body where your bones meet each other, particularly in the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips. These connections allow the bones to move around. However, as you grow older, you may start to experience pain and discomfort emanating from these joints. People often see this developing joint pain as a normal part of aging and would not really make much of a fuss over it. However, these symptoms might also indicate the development of arthritis. What exactly causes this pain and discomfort in the joints and how would you get relief?
The reason behind the pain in your knees
As previously mentioned, joint pain can simply be a normal part of aging. But, it can also signal a possible arthritis symptom. To know if your joint pain is related to arthritis, you need to take a closer look at four major factors that are common among all patients with arthritis.
Joint swelling. People with arthritis often experience inflammation in the joints, leading to their swelling as well. If this swelling persists for more than three days, or occurs more than three times per month, it is highly likely that you have arthritis. If this happens, consult your local health practitioner as soon as possible. Joint stiffness. One of the very first indicators of arthritis happens to be stiffness in the joints. This particular factor is noticeable when patients wake up in the morning or when they are inactive for a long period. Joint pain. Pain in arthritis is unique in the fact that it does not really have a specific pattern to follow. Some patients may experience fleeting pain that comes and goes while others suffer from constant pain. In addition, patients can even experience pain while they are resting or when they are moving and is not limited to one region of the body. Difficulty in moving or decreased joint flexibility. All of the three factors above can make it quite difficult to move your joints, making every small movement an ordeal to get through.
Of the four factors, pain is the most prominent symptom among arthritis patients and can develop into a serious problem that affects various parts of your life. Listed below are the four types of arthritis that cause a lot of pain to patients.
Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. This type of arthritis is the most common type found in patients over the age of 50. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis affects over 30 million adults in the United States alone. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as the "wear and tear" disease because the cushioning in the joints — referred to as cartilage — begins to wear off as you grow older. This causes the joints to grow stiff and lose their elasticity. It also makes the joints more prone to damage. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While this is another common type of arthritis, it is very different from osteoarthritis. RA is known to develop in joints present on both sides of the body, a property unique only to this variation of arthritis. Researchers consider RA as an autoimmune disease, meaning that it develops as a result of the body's immune system attacking its own tissue. This arthritis is often associated with early death, but an early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent or even slow down its progression. Fibromyalgia. This form of arthritic disorder can lead to pain and tenderness in various parts of the body. This is usually accompanied by sleeping issues and fatigue. Polymyalgia rheumatica. Considered less common than other types of arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica involves joint pain and stiffness in large joints of the body like the hip and shoulders.
Natural ways to relieve arthritis pain
Many types of arthritis are considered chronic, so it is important to find ways to deal with the pain associated with these conditions. Unfortunately, there is no be-all, end-all solution that can completely eliminate pain in those suffering from arthritis. However, there are certain strategies you can adopt that can help make the pain more manageable. (Related: Arthritis pain? Get relief at home with these natural remedies.)
Stay physically active by following a routine that focuses on moderate-level exercise.
Always stretch before doing a workout to maintain a good range of motion in your joints.
Keep your body weight within a healthy range to lessen the stress on your joints.
Learn more about joint pain and the diseases associated with it at Health.news.
Sources include:
SteadyHealth.com
CDC.gov
Healthline.com


naturalnews--2020-02-18--"Ultra-processed" foods and beverages increase risk of disease and early death; eating more whole fo

"Ultra-processed" foods and beverages increase risk of disease and early death; eating more whole foods is key to improving overall health

( Natural News ) What do chips , cookies and pizza have in common ?
Researchers consider all of them to be ultra-processed foods .
And according to two studies published in the British Medical Journal ( BMJ ) , a diet full of ultra-processed foods increases your risk of both heart disease and early death .
The BMJ studies followed groups of people in France and Spain and found that the participants who consumed more factory-made foods had a higher risk of heart disease and early death , respectively .
In an email to CNN , Maira Bes-Rastrollo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor of preventive medicine and public health at the Universidad de Navarra , said that the results are alarming because highly processed foods make up over 50 percent of the total dietary energy consumed in high-income countries like Canada , the US and the UK .
Bes-Rastrollo added that in Spain , the consumption of ultra-processed food almost tripled from 1990 to 2010 .
High consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to premature death For the study conducted in Spain , Bes-Rastrollo and her fellow researchers followed about 20,000 participants aged 20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists asked the volunteers detailed questions about their diet every two years .
Their findings revealed that the people who consumed over four servings of ultra-processed foods daily were 62 percent more likely to die early .
Each extra serving of ultra-processed food eaten increased the risk by 18 percent .
Bes-Rastrollo noted that their findings were in line with those from other studies in France and the US , proving that ultra-processed foods are harmful to your health .
In the French study , scientists from the University of Paris followed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The results showed that every 10 percent increase in the amount of highly processed foods someone ate was linked to a 12 percent increase in their risk of heart attack , stroke or other cardiovascular diseases .
While the difference in outcome between low- and high-processed diets wasn ’ t significant , study findings suggest that there could be 277 cases of heart disease for every 100,000 people who ’ s diet included a lot of ultra-processed foods , compared to 242 cases for every 100,000 people who didn ’ t .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference is enough to warrant dietary changes , like avoiding ultra-processed snacks .
She added that following a balanced diet is best for maintaining overall health .
For the studies , scientists classified foods using the NOVA classification system .
This means foods were sorted into four categories , depending on how they are made .
Highly processed foods contain added ingredients like fat , salt and sugar , along with potentially harmful artificial colors or preservatives .
A BMJ editorial published alongside the two studies indicates that these highly processed foods are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your risk of developing cancer .
Editorial authors Mark A. Lawrence and Phillip I. Baker advised that the best thing to do is limit or avoid highly processed food altogether and consume more unprocessed or minimally processed foods .
It ’ s easy to overeat ultra-processed foods because they ’ re more palatable than their healthier counterparts , but the former has little to no nutritional value and can only contribute to unwanted weight gain , or worse .
While highly processed foods contain food additives that are tested for safety individually , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side effects .
Are you willing to risk your health over a can of soda and a bag of chips ?
Find out more adverse effects of eating junk foods at JunkFood.news .

“Ultra-processed” foods and beverages increase risk of disease and early death; eating more whole foods is key to improving overall health
What do chips, cookies and pizza have in common? Researchers consider all of them to be
And according to two studies published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), a diet full of ultra-processed foods increases your risk of both heart disease and early death.
Junk food consumption increases risk of diseases
The BMJ studies followed groups of people in France and Spain and found that the participants who consumed more factory-made foods had a higher risk of heart disease and early death, respectively.
In an email to CNN, Maira Bes-Rastrollo, senior author of the Spanish study and professor of preventive medicine and public health at the Universidad de Navarra, said that the results are alarming because highly processed foods make up over 50 percent of the total dietary energy consumed in high-income countries like Canada, the US and the UK.
Bes-Rastrollo added that in Spain, the consumption of ultra-processed food almost tripled from 1990 to 2010.
High consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to premature death
For the study conducted in Spain, Bes-Rastrollo and her fellow researchers followed about 20,000 participants aged 20 to 91 from 1999 to 2014.
The scientists asked the volunteers detailed questions about their diet every two years. Their findings revealed that the people who consumed over four servings of ultra-processed foods daily were 62 percent more likely to die early. Each extra serving of ultra-processed food eaten increased the risk by 18 percent.
Bes-Rastrollo noted that their findings were in line with those from other studies in France and the US, proving that ultra-processed foods are harmful to your health.
High consumption of ultra-processed foods raises heart disease risk
In the French study, scientists from the University of Paris followed over 105,000 individuals for more than five years.
The results showed that every 10 percent increase in the amount of highly processed foods someone ate was linked to a 12 percent increase in their risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.
While the difference in outcome between low- and high-processed diets wasn't significant, study findings suggest that there could be 277 cases of heart disease for every 100,000 people who's diet included a lot of ultra-processed foods, compared to 242 cases for every 100,000 people who didn't.
Study author Mathilde Touvier said that the difference is enough to warrant dietary changes, like avoiding ultra-processed snacks. She added that following a balanced diet is best for maintaining overall health.
Unprocessed, processed and ultra-processed foods
For the studies, scientists classified foods using the NOVA classification system. This means foods were sorted into four categories, depending on how they are made.
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods include:
Eggs
Fish and seafood
Fruits
Grains (e.g., rice and pasta)
Legumes
Meats
Milk
Natural juice
Poultry
Vegetables
Yogurt
Processed foods include:
Bacon
Beer
Bread
Cheeses
Cured traditional ham
Wine
Processed ingredients include:
Butter
Honey
Lard
Olive oil
Salt
Sugar
Ultra-processed foods include:
Artificially sweetened beverages
Chocolates and candies
Chorizo
Cookies
Flan
Mayonnaise
Potato chips
Pizza
Sausages
Whiskey, gin and rum
Highly processed foods contain added ingredients like fat, salt and sugar, along with potentially harmful artificial colors or preservatives.
A BMJ editorial published alongside the two studies indicates that these highly processed foods are bad for your health because they increase your risk of developing cancer. Editorial authors Mark A. Lawrence and Phillip I. Baker advised that the best thing to do is limit or avoid highly processed food altogether and consume more unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
It's easy to overeat ultra-processed foods because they're more palatable than their healthier counterparts, but the former has little to no nutritional value and can only contribute to unwanted weight gain, or worse. While highly processed foods contain food additives that are tested for safety individually, eating them in combination may have negative side effects.
Are you willing to risk your health over a can of soda and a bag of chips? Find out more adverse effects of eating junk foods at JunkFood.news.
Sources include:
EcoWatch.com
Health.Harvard.edu


naturalnews--2020-02-18--Mars may have developed habitable conditions as early as 4.2 billion years ago

( Natural News ) A new study claims that Mars could have been habitable anywhere between 4.2 to 3.5 billion years ago .
The authors of this study have adjusted their timeline of when they believe the red planet stopped being bombarded with meteorites to around 4.2 to 3.5 billion years ago .
After this period , the scientists believe that Mars became habitable for a time , predating the time when Earth began supporting life by around 500 million years .
( Related : NASA ’ s Mars orbiter takes a breathtaking photo of a 50-foot crater ; impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , say experts . )
Most planets and celestial bodies inside the Solar System formed around 4.5 billion years ago .
This period was very chaotic and meteors impacted planets all the time .
There ’ s even a hypothesis that the Moon was formed after it impacted with the Earth .
This period of time is known as the Late Heavy Bombardment .
Eventually , the collisions passed and the system calmed down .
The Late Heavy Bombardment is believed to have ended around 3.8 billion years ago .
This study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Western Ontario in Canada ’ s Department of Earth Sciences , believes that the bombardment actually ended around 4.48 billion years ago .
In order to come to their conclusion , Moser and his team analyzed meteorites believed to have come from Mars ’ southern highlands .
The specimens are believed to be pieces of the Martian crust which were knocked into space , probably during the Late Heavy Bombardment , and fell to Earth as meteorites .
There are around 120 known samples of Martian rocks in the world .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grains from the meteorites , such as zircon and baddeleyite , and found that they were between 4.43 to 4.48 billion years old .
The zircon really piqued the team ’ s interests .
Zircon contains miniscule amounts of radioactive uranium .
This radioactive substance decays into lead over time , enabling geologists such as Moser to measure the age of the rocks with some accuracy .
Furthermore , Moser also said that zircon contains microfeatures that can reveal whether or not they have been exposed to high pressure events typical of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these bombardment signatures in the Mars zircon and baddeleyite grains , ” said Moser , suggesting that the Late Heavy Bombardment ended on Mars before the zircon and baddeleyite specimens formed .
Because of this finding , scientists like Moser now believe that there could have been “ a platform hosting life ” on Mars about 500 million years before life began on Earth .
Moser also believes that a massive impact event that occurred sometime during the Late Heavy Bombardment may have been “ globally sterilizing ” for Mars .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant meteorites that impacted Mars between 4.2 and 3.5 billion years ago may have helped establish habitable conditions on the planet .
He hypothesized that this happened because the bombardment accelerated the release of early waters from underneath the crust of the red planet , setting the stage for life-forming reactions to take place .
Moser hopes that the work done by him and his team can help NASA pinpoint spots on Mars that may be good locations for gathering rock and soil samples .

Mars may have developed habitable conditions as early as 4.2 billion years ago
A new study claims that Mars could have been habitable anywhere between 4.2 to 3.5 billion years ago
The authors of this study have adjusted their timeline of when they believe the red planet stopped being bombarded with meteorites to around 4.2 to 3.5 billion years ago. After this period, the scientists believe that Mars became habitable for a time, predating the time when Earth began supporting life by around 500 million years. (Related: NASA’s Mars orbiter takes a breathtaking photo of a 50-foot crater; impact could have occurred between 2016 to 2019, say experts.)
Most planets and celestial bodies inside the Solar System formed around 4.5 billion years ago. This period was very chaotic and meteors impacted planets all the time. There's even a hypothesis that the Moon was formed after it impacted with the Earth. This period of time is known as the Late Heavy Bombardment. Eventually, the collisions passed and the system calmed down.
The Late Heavy Bombardment is believed to have ended around 3.8 billion years ago. This study, led by Desmond Moser of the University of Western Ontario in Canada's Department of Earth Sciences, believes that the bombardment actually ended around 4.48 billion years ago.
Analyzing meteorites
In order to come to their conclusion, Moser and his team analyzed meteorites believed to have come from Mars' southern highlands. The specimens are believed to be pieces of the Martian crust which were knocked into space, probably during the Late Heavy Bombardment, and fell to Earth as meteorites. There are around 120 known samples of Martian rocks in the world.
The researchers analyzed some of the oldest-known mineral grains from the meteorites, such as zircon and baddeleyite, and found that they were between 4.43 to 4.48 billion years old.
The zircon really piqued the team's interests. Zircon contains miniscule amounts of radioactive uranium. This radioactive substance decays into lead over time, enabling geologists such as Moser to measure the age of the rocks with some accuracy. Furthermore, Moser also said that zircon contains microfeatures that can reveal whether or not they have been exposed to high pressure events typical of a big impact.
"We found none of these bombardment signatures in the Mars zircon and baddeleyite grains," said Moser, suggesting that the Late Heavy Bombardment ended on Mars before the zircon and baddeleyite specimens formed. Because of this finding, scientists like Moser now believe that there could have been "a platform hosting life" on Mars about 500 million years before life began on Earth.
Moser also believes that a massive impact event that occurred sometime during the Late Heavy Bombardment may have been "globally sterilizing" for Mars. In a statement, Moser said that the giant meteorites that impacted Mars between 4.2 and 3.5 billion years ago may have helped establish habitable conditions on the planet. He hypothesized that this happened because the bombardment accelerated the release of early waters from underneath the crust of the red planet, setting the stage for life-forming reactions to take place.
Moser hopes that the work done by him and his team can help NASA pinpoint spots on Mars that may be good locations for gathering rock and soil samples.
Sources include:
DailyMail.co.uk
Space.com
NewScientist.com


naturalnews--2020-02-19--CONFIRMED: CoVid-19 coronavirus found to contain unique "gain-of-function" property "for efficient s

CONFIRMED: CoVid-19 coronavirus found to contain unique "gain-of-function" property "for efficient spreading in the human population" ... exact quote from science paper just published in Antiviral Research

( Natural News ) We now have bombshell , smoking gun evidence that the CoVid-19 “ Wuhan ” coronavirus was specifically engineered as an offensive biological warfare weapon , designed to target to exterminate human beings .
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Antiviral Research ( Vol .
16 , April 2020 ) is entitled , “ The spike glycoprotein of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV contains a furin-like cleavage site absent in CoV of the same clade.
” It reveals that the CoVid-19 coronavirus contains unique features that allow it to function as a more efficient weapon system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the virus has been impossible to contain ( even under “ quarantine ” conditions , which have universally failed in China , Japan , Korea and elsewhere ) .
As the science authors of the paper explain in the full text , “ This furin-like cleavage site… may provide a gain-of-function to the 2019-nCoV for efficient spreading in the human population.
” ( Emphasis added ) Further , the science paper finds that there is no known viral ancestry to the CoVid-19 coronavirus , meaning it did not evolve from nature .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper authors also state that the virus contains elements from MERS , stating , “ Before the emergence of the 2019-nCoV , this important feature was not observed in the lineage b of betacoronaviruses.
” The abstract and full PDF ( paid ) of the study are available through this link at ScienceDirect.com : The “ smoking gun ” aspects of this research were brought to light earlier today by Prof. Frances Boyle who appeared on the Alex Jones Show ( 2nd broadcast hour , Feb. 19th , 2020 , InfoWars.com ) to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus was an engineered biological weapon .
Tomorrow we will publish the full transcript from that interview , containing stunning new details about the origin of the viral weapon .
You can watch the full 47-minute segment here , via Brighteon.com .
The full interview is also available on Banned.video .
The following graphic from the published study shows some of the S-protein sequences found in the CoVid-19 “ Wuhan ” coronavirus which share a nearly identical pattern with MERS-CoV , but not with any previous ancestry of “ lineage b ” type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wuhan coronavirus has , “ the potential to cleave specifically viral envelope glycoproteins , thereby enhancing viral fusion with host cell membranes , ” conclude study authors .
This feature results in , “ higher pathogenicity , pronounced neural symptoms and neurotropism in infected chickens , ” according to the paper .
That means , essentially , it kills more easily and causes nervous system damage while infecting nerve cells .
Note that many of the human victims in China appear to suffer seizures and a total , almost instantaneous nervous system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furthermore , this enhanced property of the virus results in , “ a widening of the cell tropism of the virus , ” meaning it allows the virus to live and thrive in a much wider variety of human cells , including respiratory system cells .
This means the virus lives in both respiratory cells and nerve cells .
Interestingly , the study further confirms that “ ACE2 ” receptors are the vector of opportunity for the virus to infect human beings , stating , “ ACE2 is also the receptor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study finds that another element of the CoVid-19 virus appears to have been assembled from the SARS coronavirus , further confirming Frances Boyle ’ s claim that the engineered weapon is a “ chimera ” of multiple strains of biological weapons , including SARS , MERS and HIV .
From the study : “ Notably , the IFPs of the 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV are identical , displaying characteristics of viral fusion peptides ( Fig .
2 ) .
” Engineered to attack the human respiratory system , but there may be a defense… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) The CoVid-19 coronavirus is specifically engineered to exploit the biology of the human respiratory system .
Again , from the paper text : Since furin is highly expressed in lungs , an enveloped virus that infects the respiratory tract may successfully exploit this convertase to activate its surface glycoprotein ( Bassi et al.
, 2017 ; Mbikay et al.
, 1997 ) .
Before the emergence of the 2019-nCoV , this important feature was not observed in the lineage b of betacoronaviruses .
Finally , study authors explain that people who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have enhanced immunity against the coronavirus .
From the study : …it was recently shown that in an effort to limit viral infections , host cells that are infected by a number of viruses provoke an interferon response to inhibit the enzymatic activity of furin-like enzymes .
Although we caution that this supposition is just theory ( so far ) , it may turn out that one way to boost defenses against the coronavirus could be to get infected with a weaker respiratory virus first .
Stated another way , people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to a wide variety of in-the-wild circulating viruses may be automatically building improved defenses by overcoming other viral infections first .
This finding has huge implications for individuals who take vaccines , given that vaccines expose the human body to weakened viral strains that often fail to provoke the full response of “ in-the-wild ” viruses such as seasonal influenza .
Although the research did not focus on this point , it might also turn out that people who routinely take seasonal flu shots could theoretically demonstrate a weakened immune response against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu shots and allow their own bodies to naturally fight the flu each year will show enhanced immunity against CoVid-19 coronavirus .
Or , arguably , it might work the other way around , where people who routinely take more vaccines and are exposed to a wider variety of weaker strains therefore have more capacity to produce an “ interferon response.
” It ’ s too early to tell , but it certainly seems to be the case that people who are rarely or never exposed to other viral pathogens may be far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the “ Hygiene Hypothesis ” for more ideas on the ramifications of this research .
There ’ s more research yet to come , and tomorrow we post the full transcript of the interview with Frances Boyle on the Alex Jones Show .
We are about to launch Pandemic.news as a hub for podcasts , videos , science article links and news links , so be sure to check out that site over the next couple of days as we ramp it up .
And yes , if you ’ re wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw this coming years ago .
None of what we ’ re seeing here today surprises us in the least .
In fact , it ’ s going to get much , much worse , which is why we also publish Collapse.news … because that ’ s where this ends up sooner or later .

CONFIRMED: CoVid-19 coronavirus found to contain unique “gain-of-function” property “for efficient spreading in the human population” … exact quote from science paper just published in Antiviral Research
We now have bombshell, smoking gun evidence that the CoVid-19 "Wuhan" coronavirus was specifically engineered as an offensive biological warfare weapon, designed to target to exterminate human beings.
A new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Antiviral Research (Vol. 16, April 2020) is entitled, "The spike glycoprotein of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV contains a furin-like cleavage site absent in CoV of the same clade."
It reveals that the CoVid-19 coronavirus contains unique features that allow it to function as a more efficient weapon system for human-to-human transmission, which helps explain why the virus has been impossible to contain (even under "quarantine" conditions, which have universally failed in China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere).
As the science authors of the paper explain in the full text, "This furin-like cleavage site... may provide a gain-of-function to the 2019-nCoV for efficient spreading in the human population." (Emphasis added)
Further, the science paper finds that there is no known viral ancestry to the CoVid-19 coronavirus, meaning it did not evolve from nature. It was engineered, and the science paper authors also state that the virus contains elements from MERS, stating, "Before the emergence of the 2019-nCoV, this important feature was not observed in the lineage b of betacoronaviruses."
The abstract and full PDF (paid) of the study are available through this link at ScienceDirect.com:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166354220300528
The "smoking gun" aspects of this research were brought to light earlier today by Prof. Frances Boyle who appeared on the Alex Jones Show (2nd broadcast hour, Feb. 19th, 2020, InfoWars.com) to reveal his findings that confirm the Wuhan coronavirus was an engineered biological weapon.
Tomorrow we will publish the full transcript from that interview, containing stunning new details about the origin of the viral weapon. You can watch the full 47-minute segment here, via Brighteon.com. The full interview is also available on Banned.video.
Brighteon.com/b4e196ff-d85f-45c4-b4e0-8bc1bea6dc09
The following graphic from the published study shows some of the S-protein sequences found in the CoVid-19 "Wuhan" coronavirus which share a nearly identical pattern with MERS-CoV, but not with any previous ancestry of "lineage b" type coronavirus:
The new feature engineered into the Wuhan coronavirus has, "the potential to cleave specifically viral envelope glycoproteins, thereby enhancing viral fusion with host cell membranes," conclude study authors.
This feature results in, "higher pathogenicity, pronounced neural symptoms and neurotropism in infected chickens," according to the paper. That means, essentially, it kills more easily and causes nervous system damage while infecting nerve cells. Note that many of the human victims in China appear to suffer seizures and a total, almost instantaneous nervous system shutdown, literally collapsing in seconds.
Furthermore, this enhanced property of the virus results in, "a widening of the cell tropism of the virus," meaning it allows the virus to live and thrive in a much wider variety of human cells, including respiratory system cells. This means the virus lives in both respiratory cells and nerve cells.
Interestingly, the study further confirms that "ACE2" receptors are the vector of opportunity for the virus to infect human beings, stating, "ACE2 is also the receptor of the newly emerged nCoV."
Additionally, the study finds that another element of the CoVid-19 virus appears to have been assembled from the SARS coronavirus, further confirming Frances Boyle's claim that the engineered weapon is a "chimera" of multiple strains of biological weapons, including SARS, MERS and HIV. From the study: "Notably, the IFPs of the 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV are identical, displaying characteristics of viral fusion peptides (Fig. 2)."
Engineered to attack the human respiratory system, but there may be a defense... (you won't like it)
The CoVid-19 coronavirus is specifically engineered to exploit the biology of the human respiratory system. Again, from the paper text:
Since furin is highly expressed in lungs, an enveloped virus that infects the respiratory tract may successfully exploit this convertase to activate its surface glycoprotein (Bassi et al., 2017; Mbikay et al., 1997). Before the emergence of the 2019-nCoV, this important feature was not observed in the lineage b of betacoronaviruses.
Finally, study authors explain that people who have already been exposed to other viral infections may have enhanced immunity against the coronavirus. From the study:
...it was recently shown that in an effort to limit viral infections, host cells that are infected by a number of viruses provoke an interferon response to inhibit the enzymatic activity of furin-like enzymes.
Although we caution that this supposition is just theory (so far), it may turn out that one way to boost defenses against the coronavirus could be to get infected with a weaker respiratory virus first. Stated another way, people who routinely interact with the public and are exposed to a wide variety of in-the-wild circulating viruses may be automatically building improved defenses by overcoming other viral infections first.
This finding has huge implications for individuals who take vaccines, given that vaccines expose the human body to weakened viral strains that often fail to provoke the full response of "in-the-wild" viruses such as seasonal influenza. Although the research did not focus on this point, it might also turn out that people who routinely take seasonal flu shots could theoretically demonstrate a weakened immune response against the coronavirus, while those who avoid flu shots and allow their own bodies to naturally fight the flu each year will show enhanced immunity against CoVid-19 coronavirus.
Or, arguably, it might work the other way around, where people who routinely take more vaccines and are exposed to a wider variety of weaker strains therefore have more capacity to produce an "interferon response." It's too early to tell, but it certainly seems to be the case that people who are rarely or never exposed to other viral pathogens may be far more vulnerable to this one.
Refer to the "Hygiene Hypothesis" for more ideas on the ramifications of this research.
There's more research yet to come, and tomorrow we post the full transcript of the interview with Frances Boyle on the Alex Jones Show.
We are about to launch Pandemic.news as a hub for podcasts, videos, science article links and news links, so be sure to check out that site over the next couple of days as we ramp it up.
And yes, if you're wondering how we managed to acquire Pandemic.news, we saw this coming years ago. None of what we're seeing here today surprises us in the least. In fact, it's going to get much, much worse, which is why we also publish Collapse.news ... because that's where this ends up sooner or later.


naturalnews--2020-02-19--RIPPLE EFFECT: Huge disruptions in pharmaceutical supplies reported in INDIA after Wuhan coronavirus

( Natural News ) As we ’ ve been reporting now for several weeks , the spreading Wuhan coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) is much worse than the Chinese government has said .
There are thousands more infections , according to various reports , and plenty more deaths — so many , in fact , that funeral homes are paying more than $ 143 an hour in order to attract enough workers to process all of the bodies , Natural News reported .
But there are additional signs that the virus ’ spread is having regional , if not global , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report earlier this week , Bloomberg noted that the shuttering of scores of factories across China , which has occurred because tens of millions of Chinese workers have been quarantined or are afraid to go to work , is having a “ ripple effect ” in neighboring India and elsewhere .
The news site reports that all sectors — from drugs to electronics — are being affected : India , the world ’ s second-most populous nation , is facing the ripple effects of shutdowns in China with production of medicines to mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolong .
Prices of paracetamol , the most commonly used analgesic , have jumped by 40 % in India , while the cost of azithromycin , an antibiotic used for treating a variety of bacterial infections , has risen by 70 % , said Pankaj R. Patel , chairman of Zydus Cadila .
As of this writing , according to Natural News , “ officially ” China is reporting more than 75,291 infections and more than 2,014 dead , though based on additional sources , the count could be as high as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though again , those latter figures are not confirmed .
The decline in drug production in China , which is affecting production in India , is also having an effect on the United States .
Bloomberg notes that India is one of the world ’ s largest suppliers of generic drugs and “ home to about 12 percent of all manufacturing sites catering to the U.S. market , ” the news site reported .
Around 80 percent of that Indian pharmaceutical sector the U.S. depends on is supplied by Chinese factories .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ NOW As for China , Zero Hedge cited reports claiming that as manufacturers continue to keep plants idle , as much as two-thirds of China ’ s economy has been halted .
There have been some factories that have gone back online in recent days pledging to reach full production by the end of February , but most are either shut down completely or running with skeleton crews , which of course dampers production .
Because of the widespread nature of the disruption in the Chinese supply chain , there is now a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Asian behemoth to a more localized approach in order to avoid shortages and the resultant economic slowdown they cause in the future .
All of which , Zero Hedge noted , “ points to an ugly end of globalization.
” A column this week in The Wall Street Journal by Yossi Sheffi , director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ’ s Center for Transportation and Logistics and an expert in supply chain risk management , calls for several steps to be taken by U.S. firms in order to avoid massive supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not seen in the past 70 years.
” — Review company product portfolios and customer bases in order to establish supply priorities , including which products should be built and which customers should be supplied first ; — Review suppliers to determine who makes what , which parts are critical , and what , if any , alternative supplies exist ; — Plan to optimize the flow of cash rather than profits ; — Keep in touch with federal and local authorities , as well as Chinese and Asian suppliers and colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Wuhan coronavirus has exposed not just the frailty of the global supply chain , but in many ways the futility of over-reliance on just one country .

RIPPLE EFFECT: Huge disruptions in pharmaceutical supplies reported in INDIA after Wuhan coronavirus disrupts production in China
As we’ve been reporting now for several weeks, the spreading Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) is much worse than the Chinese government has said.
There are thousands more infections, according to various reports, and plenty more deaths — so many, in fact, that funeral homes are paying more than $143 an hour in order to attract enough workers to process all of the bodies, Natural News reported.
But there are additional signs that the virus’ spread is having regional, if not global, economic implications as well.
In a report earlier this week, Bloomberg noted that the shuttering of scores of factories across China, which has occurred because tens of millions of Chinese workers have been quarantined or are afraid to go to work, is having a “ripple effect” in neighboring India and elsewhere.
The news site reports that all sectors — from drugs to electronics — are being affected:
India, the world’s second-most populous nation, is facing the ripple effects of shutdowns in China with production of medicines to mobile phones being hit as supply chain disruptions prolong.
Prices of paracetamol, the most commonly used analgesic, have jumped by 40% in India, while the cost of azithromycin, an antibiotic used for treating a variety of bacterial infections, has risen by 70%, said Pankaj R. Patel, chairman of Zydus Cadila.
As of this writing, according to Natural News, “officially” China is reporting more than 75,291 infections and more than 2,014 dead, though based on additional sources, the count could be as high as a quarter-million infections with more than 25,000 dead, though again, those latter figures are not confirmed.
The decline in drug production in China, which is affecting production in India, is also having an effect on the United States. Bloomberg notes that India is one of the world’s largest suppliers of generic drugs and “home to about 12 percent of all manufacturing sites catering to the U.S. market,” the news site reported. Around 80 percent of that Indian pharmaceutical sector the U.S. depends on is supplied by Chinese factories.
U.S. firms should make emergency logistical plans NOW
As for China, Zero Hedge cited reports claiming that as manufacturers continue to keep plants idle, as much as two-thirds of China’s economy has been halted. There have been some factories that have gone back online in recent days pledging to reach full production by the end of February, but most are either shut down completely or running with skeleton crews, which of course dampers production.
Because of the widespread nature of the disruption in the Chinese supply chain, there is now a reorganization of complex supply chains out of the Asian behemoth to a more localized approach in order to avoid shortages and the resultant economic slowdown they cause in the future.
All of which, Zero Hedge noted, “points to an ugly end of globalization.”
A column this week in The Wall Street Journal by Yossi Sheffi, director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation and Logistics and an expert in supply chain risk management, calls for several steps to be taken by U.S. firms in order to avoid massive supply chain disruption of the kind “we have not seen in the past 70 years.”
They include:
— Establishing central emergency management centers;
— Review company product portfolios and customer bases in order to establish supply priorities, including which products should be built and which customers should be supplied first;
— Review suppliers to determine who makes what, which parts are critical, and what, if any, alternative supplies exist;
— Plan to optimize the flow of cash rather than profits;
— Keep in touch with federal and local authorities, as well as Chinese and Asian suppliers and colleagues to keep abreast of the deteriorating situation.
The Wuhan coronavirus has exposed not just the frailty of the global supply chain, but in many ways the futility of over-reliance on just one country.
Sources include:
WSJ.com
ZeroHedge.com
NaturalNews.com