Our awareness of Avian Flu seems to increase with every nearly newscast, along with a growing sense of dread. Our speakers, Dr. Lorrence Green and Dr. Doris Bucher took the time to put it all in perspective.

Dr Green set the stage with a technical discussion of the virus itself and most importantly the difference between drift and shift. (Antegenic Drift and Antigenic Shift) It seems there is some residual effectiveness from previously administered vaccines, or immunity developed from previous infections, as virus evolves from year to year. This evolution can be described as “drift”. However, from time to time a virus may be altered in a manner that is significantly different then its brethren of earlier strains. This is referred to as shift and it pretty much negates any previously derived immunity. It was explained how in 1918 when the ‘shift hit the fan’ more folks perished from the flu then from all the wars since and including World I. It wasn’t a pretty picture Dr Green was painting but he had everyone’s attention. Dr Green's presentation material may be found here. (Click)

Dr Bucher followed providing insight into the business of building vaccines. From chicken eggs to dog kidneys and back to eggs again. A wild ride complete with “M2 proton channel inhibitors” . There was much that was frightening and much that was encouraging. Dr. Bucher was, at one time able to scare the bejeezus out of all of us with tales of pandemics past....

and then set us at ease with a discussion of where we are at in terms of HN51. The world is mobilizing, and where possible sharing the information that will hopefully prepare and spare humanity a disaster of indescribable magnitude.

Were you there?

01/29/2006
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Nice setting at the Farmingdale University Club and a nice crowd as well .

Rick reveals that his backgroung in molecular biology is non existent and immediately proclaims himself to be an "I.T. Guy" Many remain skeptical.

Our good photographer was busy this evening, here are just some of the moments John Hill captured, maybe an opportunity to find yourself.: