Remember, everyone - meet up in Boulder!
I once heard that the three best words in science are, "Huh. That's weird." As Neil deGrasse Tyson said, "Scientists cannot claim to be on the research frontier unless something baffles them. Bafflement drives discovery." And that's great, if you're in astrophysics or materials engineering or orchid cultivation.
I'm less fond of bafflement when it comes to mysterious new strains of influenza."Our concern has grown as of yesterday," U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acting director Dr. Richard Besser told reporters in a telephone briefing.
It first looked mostly like a swine virus but closer analysis showed it is a never-before-seen mixture of swine, human and avian viruses, according to the CDC.
Now while I know the media, which thrives on fear and panic, are going to start painting this as the next SARS (and we remember how that turned out, don't we?) so remember this: So far there have been less than a hundred people infected, and officials in the US and Mexico have plans to contain it as best they can. Don't worry - when the time comes to panic, you'll know. And who knows, you may get your chance - this virus is a wonderful cocktail of swine, human and avian flu, all mixed up (as viruses are prone to do).
In the meantime, remember - head to Boulder, stay away from any guys in denim jackets and worn-down bootheels. And for god's sake, get out of Manhattan while you have the chance....
I'm less fond of bafflement when it comes to mysterious new strains of influenza."Our concern has grown as of yesterday," U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acting director Dr. Richard Besser told reporters in a telephone briefing.
It first looked mostly like a swine virus but closer analysis showed it is a never-before-seen mixture of swine, human and avian viruses, according to the CDC.
Now while I know the media, which thrives on fear and panic, are going to start painting this as the next SARS (and we remember how that turned out, don't we?) so remember this: So far there have been less than a hundred people infected, and officials in the US and Mexico have plans to contain it as best they can. Don't worry - when the time comes to panic, you'll know. And who knows, you may get your chance - this virus is a wonderful cocktail of swine, human and avian flu, all mixed up (as viruses are prone to do).
In the meantime, remember - head to Boulder, stay away from any guys in denim jackets and worn-down bootheels. And for god's sake, get out of Manhattan while you have the chance....