This week marks Naked Capitalism’s fundraising initiative. So far, 752 supporters have joined us in our mission to tackle corruption and predatory practices, especially in the financial sector. We invite you to contribute through our donation page, where you can find information on how to donate via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Clover, or Wise. Discover more about the reasons behind our fundraising, our achievements over the past year, and our current goal of supporting our new Coffee Break/Sunday Movie features.
Part One: Continued Vaccine Controversies Originating from the US Government. During his initial meeting as chair of the ACIP, Dr. Martin Kulldorf requested some understanding by stating, “We are rookies…there are various technical issues we may not fully comprehend yet.” It’s challenging to find a comparable statement. Perhaps something like: “I know our efforts in Ukraine are faltering, but we’re still learning logistics since the Quartermaster Corps was disbanded for various reasons.” For those interested, The US Army Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee is an intriguing place to explore. However, I doubt the uniform that Stonewall Jackson wore when mortally wounded by his own troops during the full moon at Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863, is still on display.
Martin Kulldorf, one of the authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, has been praised as a distinguished Harvard scientist in In Covid’s Wake, mentioned here on September 24th. The ACIP meeting exemplifies the ongoing absurdities related to vaccinations, particularly concerning the HepB vaccine. Indeed, HepB is a sexually transmitted virus, but it’s not exclusively so.
The Trump administration aims to modify federal guidelines to postpone the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, despite a recent unsuccessful attempt at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting.
CDC scientist Adam Langer highlighted evidence showing that unvaccinated children, born to mothers who tested negative, later contracted hepatitis B. Langer currently holds the role of acting principal deputy director for the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention.
Langer informed the advisory panel that the virus can survive for over seven days on surfaces. During this time, even tiny amounts of infected blood on shared items, like school desks or playground equipment, can lead to infection. Consequently, unvaccinated children, even those not classified as high-risk, can be exposed in everyday situations or by infected caregivers.
“We have data indicating this occurrence is possible and likely. Although the specific cause of infection may not be clear in cases of children from hepatitis B-negative mothers acquiring the virus, “it is evident that it didn’t come from the mother, injection drug use, or sexual contact, implying it resulted from casual contact,” he stated.
Despite this, some members of the discussion downplayed the transmission risk to children through household interactions.
For instance:
ACIP member Evelyn Griffin, an obstetrician and gynecologist, insisted that physicians could determine the hepatitis B status of an entire household merely by querying the mother.
“How can they know?…if half of the population is unaware of their hepatitis B-positive status, asking won’t yield reliable results.”
Ultimately, the committee members, selected by Kennedy, decided to postpone the vote on delaying the newborn dose after inconsistencies in the resolution’s wording emerged.
“The idea that hepatitis B transmission is restricted to prostitutes or drug users is a grossly ignorant approach to infectious diseases,” stated internist Jason Goldman, president of the American College of Physicians and its ACIP liaison, after the meeting.
It’s worth noting that sexual abuse against minors is not a rarity. Furthermore:
Infants infected at birth face a 90% likelihood of developing chronic hepatitis B, with 25% of those infants subsequently suffering severe complications, such as liver cancer or succumbing to the disease.
In 1991, federal health officials recommended administering the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, which can prevent the virus from establishing itself during delivery. Between 1990 and 2022, hepatitis B cases decreased by over 99%. While parents may choose to opt-out of the vaccinations, many daycare centers and schools mandate proof of hepatitis B vaccination for enrollment.
In my early laboratory days within a large teaching hospital, the HepB vaccine was highly endorsed. Yes, my experience may be an “n =1” study, but the shots were virtually painless and had no side effects. Medical students are also required to be vaccinated before commencing their studies. It’s essential to note that no treatment exists for HepB, but the vaccine effectively prevents infection, unlike some others. This situation may lead to problematic outcomes.
Part Two: Celebrating Ancient Talent. Remarkably, 12,000-year-old rock art has been uncovered in northern Arabia. The artwork offers insights into the lives of the people who created it:
Recently discovered prehistoric art indicates how a group of nomadic desert inhabitants, previously unknown in history, thrived in the challenging terrain of northern Arabia.
Researchers found over 130 life-sized animal images at four remote sites near Saudi Arabia’s Nefud Desert. Wild camels are the most prominent feature: 90 of them are depicted alongside other ancient creatures that roamed the arid land. Sweeping antlers of agile ibex are also prominently featured, as well as ancient equids with their young. A carving of an auroch, a massive bovine that needed significant water, hints at a slightly wetter climate than present, as archeologists suggest. Soil analysis at two sites reveals seasonal lakes—temporary watering holes shared by hunter-gatherers and wildlife alike. The camel depictions provide insights into the interactions of that time, as livestock had not yet been domesticated, and camel herds roamed freely. The camel, uniquely adapted to desert life, stands out as the favored subject of these ancient artists.
We should take pride in being the descendants of those who created this rock art from a narrow rocky perch!
Part Three: China Outpaces the West. A recent article in Scientific American highlights China’s serious commitment to renewable energy:
China has established its target for decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, providing insight into how global emissions may evolve over the next decade. In a video address to the United Nations Climate Summit on September 24, President Xi Jinping announced plans for a 7% to 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from peak levels by 2035.
The speed at which China reduces its emissions will profoundly affect the global landscape. Since 2015, the nation has contributed to 90% of the increase in worldwide CO₂ emissions, making it the largest GHG emitter globally, responsible for about one-third of emissions, according to the Asia Society Policy Institute, a think tank based in New York City. Analysts warn that China’s actions could determine the fate of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
In 2020, Xi pledged that China’s CO₂ emissions would reach their peak before 2030 and that the country aims for carbon neutrality before 2060. Some researchers suggest that China’s CO₂ emissions might already be peaking soon.
Is this merely hype? Are the Chinese exaggerating? Do they even need to? For now, I’ll reserve judgment, recalling that past colleagues expressed complete confidence that the Chinese would never surpass the West in science and technology. My first interaction with a Chinese scientist who had suffered during the Cultural Revolution cast some doubt on that presumption. However, that era of blind confidence has dissipated.
Will this progress alter the course of climate collapse caused by human greed and foolishness? Probably not, but that’s a discussion for another time. Will the West, particularly America, follow China’s lead in combating climate change? That remains a rhetorical question.
Part Four: The Persistent Beauty of Nature Amid Disenchantment. Will-o’-the-wisps have long been attributed to burning methane—the familiar blue flame seen on a gas burner—but their mechanism remained elusive until recently. A new article in PNAS provides clarity. The answer is microlightning.
Will-o’-the-wisps—ethereal blue flames visible in marshes, historically linked to methane emissions—have puzzled scientists due to the absence of a known ignition mechanism. Our research demonstrates that spontaneous electrical discharges, termed “microlightning,” can happen between rising methane-filled microbubbles in water. High-speed imaging reveals fleeting flashes between charged bubbles, generated by strong electric fields at curved gas-liquid interfaces. These discharges trigger nonthermal oxidation of methane, producing luminescence and detectable heat under natural conditions. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for understanding ignis fatuus and unveil a general mechanism by which electrified interfaces can facilitate redox reactions in natural settings without external ignition sources.
Ignis fatuus remains among my favorite scientific terms, translating to “foolish fire,” a concept that resonates beyond mere will-o’-the-wisps in dark marshes. While I’ve yet to observe them, I’ve encountered bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated in pitch-black nights, often teeming with ants, possibly aiding in spore dispersal. For an engaging demonstration of luminescence, back in my laboratory days with bioluminescent marine creatures, I recommended this: enter a darkened room and swiftly crush a Wint-O-Green lifesaver with pliers (safety goggles are a must). The resulting blue sparks from triboluminescence are delightful fun for people of all ages.
Part Five: The Importance of Quality Sleep for Optimal Health. A recent article in Nature asserts: “Ditch the gadgets, forget the fads, and turn off the alarm. Research on circadian rhythms reveals the crucial role of your body’s internal clock in achieving restful sleep.”
With TikTok videos extolling mouth tape and weighted blankets, alongside magazines suggesting various insomnia remedies, it’s evident that sleep advice is pervasive. Indeed, insomnia complaints are widespread, fueling a sleep aids market worth over US$100 billion annually (this financial reality indicates that we are a society struggling with health).
However, experts caution that online hacks and expensive tools may not always be effective. Moreover, ineffective attempts to address sleep issues could exacerbate the problem, as highlighted by Andrew McHill, a circadian scientist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. “It might deter individuals from seeking help, leading to worsening conditions,” he explains.
Circadian rhythms exist and they are essential, yet our modern lifestyle often neglects them, resulting in detrimental effects.
Researchers emphasize insights gained from circadian science over the past fifty years, revealing an ensemble of biological clocks across the body. This intricate system ensures physiological processes align with optimal timing, aiding in activities such as immune defense, digestion, and sleep. However, these clocks do not function on their own. Regular resetting through sunlight exposure, daily routines, and other signals is essential for maintaining synchronicity.
Modern society often obstructs this rhythm. Many people remain indoors excessively, eat late into the evening, and alter sleep patterns between weekdays and weekends, effectively causing self-induced jet lag. The consequences are significant: disruptions in circadian rhythms and inadequate sleep can impair cognitive functions, mood, and reaction times. In the long term, they heighten the risk of infections, diabetes, depression, dementia, cancer, heart disease, and premature mortality.
We are all aware of how sleep deprivation affects our cognition, mood, and reaction times. However, the long-term health implications may not be well understood. So, what can we do?
To improve sleep and enhance overall well-being, scientists underscore three essentials: contrasting light and darkness, consolidating meal times, and maintaining consistent sleep schedules. “Simply taking a daytime walk and minimizing light exposure in the evening could yield significant benefits.”
In my own “n =1” trial, I’ve discovered that taking a walk during the workday and resting in a very dark environment significantly helps, without needing Paxil, Ambien, or other “anxiolytics” recommended by various professionals, from medical students to medical school faculty.
I’m committed to implementing this advice, which is sensible, albeit belatedly:
Caloric intake also correlates closely with circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. The human liver at 10 a.m. and at 10 p.m. function quite differently. The same applies to other body parts involved in digestion. Hormones regulating hunger, digestive enzymes, and insulin—essential for glucose regulation—operate on internal schedules.
The body is usually most ready for food intake from late morning into early afternoon. Consuming food late in the evening disrupts these biological clocks and prevents thorough digestion. It may also negatively impact the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to insomnia. Additionally, late meals can elevate body temperature and shift blood flow to the digestive system, counteracting the natural nighttime decrease that promotes sleep. Elevated glucose levels may also uncouple the liver and kidney’s internal clocks from the brain’s core clock, thereby increasing the likelihood of midnight trips to the restroom.
Manoogian and colleagues recommend revisiting the old saying: Eat like a king in the morning, a prince at lunch, and a pauper at dinner. The last meal of the day, ideally, should occur at least three hours before bedtime, without further snacks or caloric beverages.
All things in moderation, including these guidelines. Late dinners filled with wine and laughter? Extended work deadlines resulting in fatigue? Allow yourself the time to rest and rejuvenate.
Part Six: Remembering Jane Goodall. I learned of her passing while drafting this Coffee Break. This loss leaves the world without one of its true champions:
In a 2010 interview with Scientific American, marking her 50th year studying chimpanzees, Goodall reflected on her most significant contributions.
“My greatest legacy is breaking down the barrier that was thought to exist between us and other animals,” Goodall remarked. “I believe that chimpanzees have played a key role in helping humanity understand that we are part of, and not separate from, the animal kingdom, fostering respect for the remarkable creatures we share this planet with.”
Those of us of a certain age, who grew up watching Jane Goodall and other naturalists on National Geographic (tune in at 14:45 for valuable insights into her achievements and human pitfalls) will always cherish the lessons imparted by her, Louis B. Leakey, and many other outdoor scientists, regardless of the whataboutism that will inevitably accompany her legacy in the future.
Until next week!
