#denaturing agent

[biology-geology-beaches-india]

TSRNOSS, page 209.

[violetrainbow412-blog]

Day 9: “Don’t do that!” “But…”

Masterlist flufftober 🎃

Reblog if you liked it!

It was already dark and the two of you were still at the police station, trying in vain to create a geographic profile of the kidnapper you were chasing in Duluth, Minnesota. And it was in vain because Spencer and you couldn't even think anymore.

You were both exhausted, staying awake only thanks to the multiple liters of coffee that now were just empty disposable cups, and a sad hamburger the police chief had brought you a few hours ago. The place was deserted, and if it weren’t for the company of your friend, you were sure you would’ve fallen asleep at your desk.

“Remind me why we can’t leave this for tomorrow?”

“Bureau stuff, they want to demonstrate the unit’s efficiency or something. And, of course, so the man doesn’t take any more victims.”

“I feel like my brain has melted,” you complained loudly, running your hands over your face and dramatically collapsing onto the table.

He had his back to you, facing the whiteboard as if waiting for some epiphany, but he didn’t need to look at you to know what you had done.

“You know, while the brain can’t actually melt, there are some extreme conditions that can cause significant damage, like hyperthermia, which can lead to the breakdown of brain cells. In cases of very high fever or prolonged exposure to extreme heat, the brain can suffer damage due to the loss of proteins and the denaturation of tissues, which can lead to severe complications like seizures, neurological damage, or even death, but not the literal melting of the organ.”

“Boo! Boring!”

With that, you grabbed one of the crumpled pieces of paper on the table and threw it at him, hitting him squarely on the head. Spencer turned to look at you with a murderous expression, and you grinned at him, pleased with your little prank.

Suddenly, the idea of throwing things at your friend to entertain yourself became very tempting, and one by one, you started making more paper balls, each meeting the same fate as the first. You loved testing the limits of your best friend’s patience, and he was no stranger to well-planned revenge, so you tried to annoy him just enough to make the price you’d pay later worth it.

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” he asked after perhaps the tenth ball hit him. “Like helping me with this, for example?”

“Let’s leave that for tomorrow,” you groaned, sounding very tired. “Even that genius brain of yours needs to rest at some point.”

“Yes, but it’s harder to concentrate with an annoying, immature agent throwing things at me.”

You let out a snort, something Spencer couldn’t quite decipher, but it was probably a complaint.

He kept looking at the spots where the victims had disappeared, searching for a pattern for a few seconds, but just when he thought he could continue in peace, he felt another object hit the back of his neck.

“Don’t do that!”

“But…” you couldn’t finish your sentence because he took the projectile you had just used and threw it back at your face. Without force, of course, but with clear intent nonetheless. “Spencer!”

“Now is it not fun?” he said, half irritated and half amused.

You picked up one of the paper balls from the floor and threw it back at your friend, starting what became a pretty even war. If anyone had seen you, they would have completely disapproved of your behavior and criticized how unprofessional you were, but at that moment, the place was so empty that you allowed yourselves to have some fun.

What began as a rough exchange ended with the two of you laughing uncontrollably, and you trying, unsuccessfully, to hold the doctor’s wrists to make it stop.

“I give up! Okay? I give up!”

“So, being annoying is only okay when it’s you doing it?” he teased, but with a smile on his face.

“Am I annoying to you?”

“Huge. Like, the biggest in the world.”

You knew he wasn’t serious. And Spencer knew he couldn’t live without you in his life.

Finally, you both agreed to an unspoken truce when you let go of his hands, and he didn’t retaliate, just watching you seriously.

You could see the exhaustion in his eyes, and you hated seeing him like that, knowing you probably looked the same. You had a strange relationship, one that he didn’t share with anyone else, almost like a connection that, no matter the disagreements, never broke. You always knew when something was bothering him, and vice versa, ready to step in if needed.

Platonic soulmates, it was called? Something like that, he had told you once. And indeed, you two fit the term perfectly.

“How can I help?” you murmured gently, trying to end the suffering at last.

You were both dead tired, and two minds would think better than one, so he started giving you instructions on how he was mapping everything out to see if you could offer a different perspective. The autumn air was already making itself known, so you grabbed Reid’s suit jacket to keep warm, and he didn’t complain.

At some point, he needed more coffee, and he kindly brought one for you too, only to happily discover that you had finished figuring out the missing piece to complete the profile.

He was incredibly grateful, so you both agreed to sit down for a moment to drink your coffees, and then you would call a taxi to the hotel to get at least a few hours of sleep. However, as you sat in the waiting area, with two chairs side by side, sleep eventually overtook you, and without realizing it, you fell completely asleep in your seat.

Needless to say, Spencer did the same, which resulted in Hotch and Morgan finding you both in the morning, peacefully sleeping. You, resting on the young man’s shoulder, wearing his jacket and hugging yourself. Him, with his cheek resting on your head, and one arm stretched out just enough to touch at least an inch of your skin, as if he needed to make sure you wouldn’t escape in the night.

The picture of the two of you in that position became the joke of the week, but you couldn’t complain about the circumstances in which it happened. After all, if anything ever happened, you knew he was there to take care of you. And he knew, just the same, that you would always take care of him.

[autistichalsin]

Mind Flayers and prions: a scientific analysis

Earlier today, I did some brain-related research for a fic of mine, and had a horrifying realization: what the hell happens if a Mind Flayer, which exclusively eat brains, catches a prion infection? A normal Mind Flayer is terrifying enough, now imagine one with kuru!

Then it was suggested to me that Mind Flayers would likely be immune somehow. And yeah, that seems like the second-most Occam's Razor-compliant theory (the first being that prions don't exist in Faerun, but come on, I'm a fucking biology nerd with a Masters in epidemiology and a love of parasitology, the odds of me making it that easy were fucking zero). But the question is: how would that work biologically?

So then I started with a deep-dive into prions in our world, and got my answer from a study on transgenic mice.

Before I get into that, though, I want to lay out the assumptions I'm making here:

Prions exist in Faerun, are capable of infecting humanoids, are found at the same locus (the Prnp gene that codes for PRion Protein [PRP] is located on the short arm of chromosome 20), and are transmitted the same way (in this case, the most relevant is consumption of infected brain tissue).

Considering that in Forgotten Realms canon, Mind Flayer tadpoles can't be inserted into dwarves, gnomes, etc (BG3 diverged from canon in this, and I can't blame them, it would be a sad and lonely game without little folks around), Mind Flayer DNA most closely resembles humans, but is obviously different from human DNA in more areas than elves or orcs (who we will assume are much more closely related to humans given that they can reproduce together) are to humans. That is to say, elves and orcs are closer to humans on the phylogenetic tree than mind flayers are, but mind flayers are still close to all of these, most especially humans.

The genetics of all organisms in Faerun are fundamentally the same as ours. The proteins and respective codons are the same, their form and function and significance are the same, they use the same five mammalian nucleotide bases... you get the picture. Minor genotypic differences are definitely there, but we're going to assume the foundations that inform our understanding of genetics as a whole are the same.

So, then. First, a very brief introduction to prions, because many people have never heard of them aside from possibly knowing about "mad cow disease" (feel free to skip this if you do already know):

The word prion is derived from the words protein and infection. It's exactly what it sounds like. It's a protein that is also an infectious agent, not a virus of bacteria. It exists as a wrongly-folded protein, and is very resistant to protease (enzymes that normally would break down a problematic protein). Over time, due to their resistance to proteolysis (the process that breaks down proteins)*, they eventually can force other proteins to misfold.

*Seriously, it can't be understated how terrifyingly resistant these things are. They can be inactivated with bleach, yes, but they resist autoclaves. You have to subject them to heats of 900 degrees Fahrenheit to denature them. For reference, the inside of a volcano is usually about 2,200 degrees.

The shape of proteins is extremely important in how they function, and proteins really want to be as parsimonious as possible; they want to use the lowest amount of energy possible to find a stable shape. The misfolded proteins require a lower energy expenditure than the normal form to maintain their shape, which is also more stable (hence its resistance to denaturing by heat), so normal proteins adopt it quite readily once exposed. From there, gradually (as little as months to as much as years) the proteins all convert to this unusual state. Unfortunately, while it's more stable for the individual proteins involved, it's a lot less stable for the brain itself, and the cells there begin to clump in amyloids, which cause brain damage and ultimately death. Prions are 100% fatal and care is limited to comfort measures. They also cause probably the worst symptoms of any disease I can think of. For example, the worst one of all, Fatal Familial Insomnia, literally causes sufferers to become unable to sleep. They start with extreme trouble sleeping, then over the course of a year find themselves gradually able to do it less, until one day they can't at all. Death follows in a few months, by which point it's downright merciful because they've been plagued with pain, paranoia, loss of memory, disorientation, headaches, weight loss, and more.

Prions are transmitted in a few ways: as noted, eating infected animal tissue is a big one, and was what led to the "mad cow disease" outbreak in the UK in the 1990s; cows were fed food containing the brain matter of other diseased cows, picked up the disease, and were then turned into food which infected quite a few people. Other ways are through contaminated medical equipment (as noted, you need to basically nuke medical equipment from orbit when it's used on someone with prions, and the long time from exposure to disease onset means a lot of patients are sick unknown to themselves or doctors), through genetics (IE Fatal Familial Insomnia), or sometimes even through spontaneous development if you're one of the unluckiest people on Earth.

So that's your primer on prions. Genetics, I'm going to assume some knowledge here, but I will give a brief explanation (brief because I don't want to seem like I'm just giving a thinly-veiled biology lecture).

The way genes code for proteins is by a series of codons, which are sequences of three nucleotide bases (A, C, G, and U/T depending on whether it's DNA or RNA) that are read and translated by the body. Most of the DNA in your body is non-coding and doesn't do anything, but the regions between a start and stop codon are what are used to make the proteins you need.

The gene that is implicated in prion diseases is known as Prnp, and produces the prion protein (which in its normal state is called PRPc and in its diseased state is known as PRPsc [sc standing for scrapie, which was the first prion disease to be discovered]). It is located on the short arm of chromosome 20. What it does normally is a bit of a mystery still, but the most widely believed hypotheses are cell adhesion or neuronal communication.

So, most mammals are really susceptible to them. Deer in the USA are currently suffering from a massive outbreak of one called Chronic Wasting Disease, humans have quite a few that affect us, and there are some notable ones in sheep, cows, etc. Even cats can get it. Rabbits are believed to be immune, but when scientists did an experiment with transgenic mice that forced them to express the lapine version of the Prnp gene, scientists could still force the protein to misfold by infecting the mice with prions, which suggests their immunity isn't absolute.

On the other hand, canines are also resistant, and scientists who tried to infect transgenic mice in the same manner after making them express the canine version of the gene had no luck (study can be found here). In wild type mice, the attack rate by the prions was 100%, but in the ones with the canine PRP, the attack rate was 0%.

We're getting a bit closer to our answer, then: clearly dogs have a gene that confers protection to their PRP, and since mind flayers most closely resemble a mammal (despite not reproducing the way humanoids do), the answer to mind flayer immunity would likely lie in the same gene.

As for the gene itself? Turns out, dogs have a codon at this locus that is found in very few other mammals. They contain codons that make, depending on the particular base pairs involved, either ASP (aspartic acid) or GLU (glutamic acid). This is not only rare (to the point of occurring in only a few other mammals), but provides a useful comparison: the PRP cats express is the most similar to a dog's. The feline Prnp gene doesn't include codons to make GLU or ASP. Cats are highly susceptible to prions.

So, while the why is still unknown and the correlation not proven yet as a causal pathway, it seems there is very likely a significant link between GLU/ASP production on that locus and the protection conferred to dogs against prions.

SO, finally, we can answer the question. Could mind flayers be safe while eating a diet of exclusively brains, even if they ate the brain of a creature infected with a prion? Yes, they could, assuming their Prnp gene has codons to produce ASP/GLU proteins as part of their PRP. And really, when you think about it, this would be yet another way illithids would claim to be superior organisms; while humanoids have to worry about an incurable neurodegenerative disease caused by something as trivial as an error in protein folding, illithids are conferred immunity by the ceremorphosis process. So it makes sense for the psychology of mind flayers that they're immune, too. And hell, they might even seek out humans infected with one, given they'd be weaker prey, the same way wolves just love to eat moose infected with a fatal brain parasite- and in turn, just like that protects the rest of the moose herd from being infected, illithids consuming sick humanoids would protect other mammals in the area too. It's certainly the kind of thing goodest squid Omeluum would do.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

[rotzaprachim]

part of why andor season 1 worked as this kind of delicately constructed tapestry is that you had so many different people of this kind of parallel nature of being practical, nigh brutal, but not sw pew pew flashy that were fascinating to watch on screen - cassian (it’s his show!!!), his lesbian worstie most hated coworker future self parallel vel, cinta the terrifying, mon mothma, kleya, and then luthen and whatever the fuck is wrong with him. Balancing that many different and yet parallel kinds of conniving on screen was a trick, and part of why I thought season 1 was so brilliant, but part of what it understood is that you didn’t need to have everyone on screen all the time - in fact, with a cast this large, it’s a good idea when you don’t. and then season 2 just, blew that out of the water by putting every one of those guys apart from mon and cinta in still water to mostly just spin their wheels for three episodes? It did not feel like a slow build up to the greater punch or like the quiet desperation of time, it felt like seeing several forms of season 1’s human dynamite just sitting there in a way that denatures their impact. Like there’s no real reason for a random antiquities dealer AND his assistant to just be at a fairly small family wedding for days on end for someone who officially is just a client? Vel is There for days pretty much doing nothing - it would have been great to hear just a littttttle more about her through the incredible showing not telling opportunist the show had. I love the idea that chandrila IS her prison in a real way that she chose to leave, that living as a guerilla in the mountains is something she prefers to being in luxury at home - but if being in luxury at home is what the rebellion needs, she will suffer through. Incredibly opportunists to do subtle The Mirror Hurts stuff with her being trapped cassian trapped kleya with two trapped agents…. nothing happened. Let your characters stew by all means but have a purpose for it! Also please let’s explore the fact that imho aldhani was strongly implied to be an intentional failure in luthen’s accelerationaist worldview that actually threw shit out of orbit when they got the fucking money and three (3) agents survived - incredible stuff to be done with cinta cassian and vel as this trio of dead men walking the rebellion never knew they were going to have to fucking deal with, but now everyone is coworkers sharing a printer and a fax machine that only sort of works. These were the partnerships and energy I wanted to see in season 2!!!!

[justinspoliticalcorner]

John Knefel at MMFA:

Right-wing media figures are escalating a long-running campaign to give the president vast powers to denaturalize and deport naturalized citizens, a generally rare occurrence that would represent a significant new front in President Donald Trump’s campaign to restrict immigration and limit citizenship in the United States. On March 19, Article III Project founder and MAGA media influencer Mike Davis told Axios: “What's going to be on the horizon are denaturalization cases.” “You're going to have Hamas supporters who have been naturalized within the last 10 years, and they are eligible to lose their status as citizens and get deported,” he added. “It's worth it." The article reported that Trump’s campaign to restrict immigration through the Supreme Court is being “spearheaded” by Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy. Naturalized U.S. citizens are people born outside of the United States who have gone through a lengthy process to secure the rights and privileges of somebody born in the country. Since the end of the Cold War it has been unusual for the U.S. to denaturalize citizens, with only about 11 instances per year between 1990 and 2017, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. In recent years, conservative pundits and think tanks have sought to drastically increase those numbers. MAGA media figures have targeted pro-Palestinian organizers, a high-profile journalist, and, in at least one instance, a sitting member of Congress in their campaigns to denaturalize citizens, which are frequently directed at people who are (or are perceived to be) Muslim. These threats are extreme, even by right-wing media standards — and where MAGA punditry often falls light on specifics, white papers from conservative think tanks look to offer a veneer of policy respectability to the calls for ramping up denaturalization. [...]

MAGA media goes all in on denaturalization

The Article III Project’s Mike Davis is perhaps the loudest voice in MAGA media pushing for Trump to ramp up denaturalization efforts, which he frequently directs at pro-Palestinian activists. The calls for denaturalization are part of a larger right-wing media campaign to smear pro-Palestinian protests, Palestinians being considered for refugee relocation, and Palestinian activists like Mahmoud Khalil — a green card holder arrested and detained by ICE. [...]

Denaturalization as a tool for political oppression

The premise underlying the right’s anti-immigration arguments — sometimes implicit, sometimes explicit — is that certain categories of people don’t have fundamental civil rights and their entire life is contingent on the whims of an increasingly fascistic federal government. These efforts are about reproducing a social hierarchy where some individuals are protected less than others in the eyes of the law based on their religion, national origins, or political beliefs. Now, as right-wing media and their allies in the Trump administration wage an all-out campaign against immigrants — both inside the United States and at border crossings, directed at those with and without legal authorization to live in the country — their attacks targeting naturalized citizens are poised to open the latest front in that war.

The right-wing media’s war on naturalized US citizens has ramped up as part of Donald Trump’s xenophobic immigration restrictionism campaign, as it seeks the denaturalization and deportation of those who support or attend pro-Palestine protests under the wafer thin guise of “supporting Hamas”.

See Also:

The Guardian: ‘A warning for students of color’: Ice agents are targeting certain protesters, say experts

[hero-israel]

https://www.tumblr.com/her-moth/726167324355444736/from-saids-invention-memory-and-place-2000?source=share

I’ve become interested in the figure of Edward Said, a Palestinian-American academic and activist who more or less coined the terms/studies/activism/etc of Orientalism and Post-Colonialism, both terms I find deeply important and which I apply to my leftist Zionism, something I’m sure he and his followers would strongly oppose. On that topic, I’m looking into some of his anti-Zionist (though I’m sure it’s more nuanced than that) work, both to broaden my perspective and because I’m much more willing to listen to a Palestinian who lived in historical Palestine before and after Israel’s establishment as opposed to a modern Westerner. I’ll admit, he has plenty of valid critiques of Zionism and movements he associates with it, though there are of course elements I disagree with. One point he made that really bothered me however (shown in the above linked screenshot) is, while comparing European Jewish Zionists to the Crusaders (partially valid but for the most part 😬) and the medieval European imagined environment of the land Jesus lived and died in as “denatured Palestine”; “after hundreds of years of living in Europe Zionist Jews could still feel that Palestine had stood in time and was theirs, again despite millennia of history and the presence of actual inhabitants.”

I agree the terra nullius mindset many Zionists and Zionist allies had (and sometimes still have, about history or the present to justify settlements, war, and discriminational policies) was awful and a horrific and regrettable way to begin Israel, but I really hate how Said just wastes no breath lumping Jews in with powerful European Christians and maybe subtly implying an acceptance that Jews are from there but ultimately just leaving it as “Tough tiddy, you’ve been gone too long, you should’ve stayed in your diaspora forever” with so little consideration that the Jews did not fit in Europe, nor could they survive there, and they needed some place their heritage was. Obviously this is just a manifestation, perhaps inspiration, for the notion that Jews don’t deserve return from diaspora, no matter the cost, but Palestinians do, and this not only a double standard but the first one is apparently the direct cause and justification for the second. Idk, I just wish Said would be a little more considerate or something.

That's the frustrating thing about Said. The man could write, and he would often home in on a decent, poignant comment - and then he would derail it with some ridiculous rabble-rousing bullshit about how Jews were the agents of European imperialism, or how Israel is constantly hoaxing archeology. He tried to pass himself off as a victimized Palestinian refugee, when he was born a privileged American citizen and spent his formative years in Cairo.

The Tumblr post you provided shows Said's frustration that people get so caught up in symbolic mythical Jerusalem that they forget or don't care it's an actual place where people live real lives. And that's a totally fair point! Co-signed! And then he ruins it by whitewashing Jewish history. His perspective that "before the Jews came, there were ACTUAL inhabitants there" is nothing less than a purported anti-colonialist / anti-imperialist giving an implicit endorsement of the Ottoman Empire. Which is less surprising when you remember he also gave EXPLICIT endorsement of the Ottoman Empire.

He was honest enough to admit that his preferred outcome for Palestine would put Jews in danger. I co-sign that too.

[science-lover33]

Exploring the Marvels of Biological Macromolecules: The Molecular Machinery of Life (Part 2)

Amino Acids: The Building Blocks

Proteins are composed of amino acids and organic molecules that contain an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a distinctive side chain (R group). There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique side chain that confers specific properties to the amino acid.

Primary Structure: Amino Acid Sequence

The primary structure of a protein refers to the linear sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain. The genetic information in DNA encodes the precise arrangement of amino acids.

Secondary Structure: Folding Patterns

Proteins don't remain linear; they fold into specific three-dimensional shapes. Secondary structures, such as α-helices and β-sheets, result from hydrogen bonding between nearby amino acids along the polypeptide chain.

Tertiary Structure: Spatial Arrangement

The tertiary structure is the overall three-dimensional shape of a protein, determined by interactions between amino acid side chains. These interactions include hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.

Quaternary Structure: Multiple Polypeptide Chains

Some proteins, known as quaternary structures, comprise multiple polypeptide chains. These subunits come together to form a functional protein complex. Hemoglobin, with its four subunits, is an example.

Protein Functions: Diverse and Essential

Proteins are involved in an astounding array of functions:

Enzymes: Proteins catalyze chemical reactions, increasing the speed at which reactions occur.

Structural Proteins: Proteins like collagen provide structural support to tissues and cells.

Transport Proteins: Hemoglobin transports oxygen in red blood cells, and membrane transport proteins move molecules across cell membranes.

Hormones: Hormonal proteins, such as insulin, regulate various physiological processes.

Immune Function: Antibodies are proteins that play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against pathogens.

Signaling: Proteins are critical in cell signaling pathways, transmitting information within cells.

Protein Denaturation and Folding

Proteins are exquisitely sensitive to environmental changes. Factors like pH, temperature, and chemical agents can disrupt protein structure, leading to denaturation. Proteins can sometimes refold into their functional shape if conditions return to normal.

Protein Diversity

The vast diversity of proteins arises from the combinatorial possibilities of amino acid sequences, secondary structure arrangements, and three-dimensional conformations.

Proteins, the versatile and intricate macromolecules, are the workhorses of biological systems. These molecules, comprised of chains of amino acids, are central to nearly every aspect of life, orchestrating various functions, from catalyzing chemical reactions to providing structural support. Let's delve into the remarkable world of proteins.

[take2intotheshower]

Endless List of Why I Ship Jane & Kurt - Part 11 (by @kate-dammit-run)

(re-posting to preserve this list, which was originally created and posted by @kate-dammit-run, whose account was deactivated in 2023)

503. Because Jane’s worst nightmare is Kurt forgetting her 504. Because the thought of losing him– 505. Because they will stop Madeline. Together. 506. Because Ink and Mumbles 506. Because he can help her relax when denaturing deadly chemicals gets tricky 507. Because if they can go undercover in the outfits they wore in Hungary and still find each other hot then they are definitely meant to be 508. Because she helps him stay calm when his daughter is in danger 509. Because everyone wants them to stop Madeline and they will 510. Because he trusts her gut 511. And she trusts his 512. And they both trust their team 513. Because stuck in the bunker elevator 514. Because battle couple confessing their love in the elevator 515. And stolen kisses in the middle of battle 516. Because he’s their mama bear and she’s the flamingo 518. Because Jane will confess and send herself to a black site to protect him 519. Because Rhino!Kurt will charge into six armed terrorists to save Jane 520. Because she’s with him 521. Because… I love you’s through glass doors and hand on heart as the ZIP cloud rises 522. Because when it comes to getting her memories back, Kurt’s face is the first thing she remembers 523. and his face triggers all her memories to return 524. Because she knows how much he loves being FBI 525. Because they can be anything that they wanna be 526. Because they want to start working on starting their own family 527. And because that does not sound like work to him 528. Because being interrupted is just their thing– whether they like it or not 529. Because Jane following her gut is enough for Kurt to act 530. Because Jane going missing for a minute sends Kurt into panic mode 531. Because the ZIP poisoning is the one thing that terrifies them both the most 532. Because he’s not going anywhere when his wife is sick 533. But she knows that when the team needs him, that is where he has to be 534. Because “ok, boss” 535. Because he claims he is not gonna miss this life 536. But she knows he will and so will she  537. But that only means that they’re awesome and cool 538. Because they cannot imagine their life not doing this but they will figure something out 539. Because second time’s a charm 540. Because he doesn’t think she creates chaos or that she’s napalm 541. Because he knows that she has done a hell of a lot more good than bad 542. Because they’re both allowed to be done 543. Because if they’re going to die defusing a bomb, they’re gonna do so while they’re kissing  544. No, seriously, they made out while defusing a bomb 545. Because interrogation room 546. Because “I’m special agent Kurt Weller.” 547. Because they don’t have to lead a quiet life 548. Their life can be whatever they want 549. Because it’s time to make some new memories 550. Some happier ones 551. Because “let’s move” 552. Because Colorado 553. Because Thanksgiving dinner with all their family 554. Because fostering kids  555. Because framed wedding photos 556. Because they’re lucky 557. Because it’s a miracle  558. Because it could have gone wrong so many times and in so many ways 559. and it probably did in some universe 560. Because at the end of the day, when Kurt asks Jane if she’s ok, her reply is “I’m good.” 561. Because Jane’s good. 

[whatwouldyoudew]

Japanese sunscreen appreciation post ⛱️🌤

•Biore Athlizm Skin Protect Essence

•Nivea Japan UV Super Water Gel EX

•Kose Suncut Prodefense Toughness UV Sunscreen

•Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Defense Milk

•Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel

•OMI Verdio UV Moisture Gel

I feel that J-Beauty sunscreens don't get as much love on here as their K-beauty counterparts. And I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they include denatured alcohol/ethanol in them. It acts as a thinning agent to make them more texturally elegant and also helps them dry down sooner. And outside of user benefits, it's also a very good preservative to keep your sunscreen stable. Plus, it actually can be used as a penetrating ingredient for the active ingredients or hydrating ingredients depending on formulation.

I won't deny that products with alcohol can cause dehydration for some depending on the formuation. But many of the studies done are misquoted: they used a much higher concentration of alcohol than is ever used in skincare, or were used on in vitro studies on plain cells which don't act the same way our skin does, or the cell plates were contained and the alcohol was not able to evaporate like it would regularly. 97% of the alcohol in any skin product evaporates. So, if facial skincare products only use around 5-10% alcohol in it, you're left with <0.3% of the original content once it evaporates.

I think many people get into this mindset of demonizing certain ingredients for everyone, rather than realizing that it's just a personal ingredient sensitivity they face. I'm all for warning people of potential irritation triggers, as I'll mention potential irritating ingredients in some of my personal reviews. But I'm very tired of people saying products are bad because they have ingredients that don't work for them personally, rather than reviewing it and determining their user experience is bad. How can you say something you've never used is bad?

[bumblebeerror]

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about cleaning, it’s that different shit has different uses, and mixing everything together at BEST just makes them react and gives you a completely useless product - and at worst, you forget the rug you’re carpet cleaning with disinfectant bleach was peed on and now you need to open every window.

SO! Here is my handy-dandy guide to how to use cleaning supplies!

So first off: branded, labeled, storebought cleaners should ONLY be used as intended on the packaging, and should be used SEPERATELY from other storebought cleaners. Tracking down every last ingredient is annoying and stupid, it’s better to just use, wipe, rinse, and then use the other thing.

However! If you are a cheap motherfucker like me, here is my list of vital cleaning agents you need on hand:

Isopropyl alcohol - disinfectant primarily. You can get a bottle of 90% and dilute it by up to 1:3 with water. Also effective as window cleaner, and good for getting smells out of fabric.

Hydrogen peroxide - this is what would medically be called an astringent, but it’s not used for medical purposes very often anymore because it’s an acid that is very good at breaking down organic matter like skin cells, and doesn’t discriminate. It’s typically sold at 3% concentrations and doesn’t need diluting; use on mold, especially in houseplants or in your bathroom. It’s also better for cleaning your ears than qtips.

Baking soda - most people mix it with vinegar, but that kind of fizzing action is only useful in areas that need grime loosened that can’t be reached manually. It’s most effective when used as a scrubbing agent, or when used to soak up liquid. Also a decent all-around deodorizer. Dont mix with water unless adding a a Tbs or two to mop water.

White vinegar - my bread and butter, baby. This shit is great for a lot of things, but most useful is that it neutralizes the smell of cat pee. It’s also good for combating smells in general, and makes a decent fabric softener because it washes away residue left by laundry detergent. Dilute to 1 part vinegar, 3-4 parts water.

Bleach - Old faithful. A disinfectant safe for use on pretty much every surface when diluted to 1:9 with water. Let me repeat that: For use on surfaces as a disinfectant, especially ones that will be touched often, DILUTE BLEACH by 1 part bleach to NINE PARTS WATER. I promise you, you don’t need more. Don’t add anything to bleach. It is its own little magical guy, let it shine.

Soap, ideally some form of detergent - most of these other guys are for disinfecting or odor control, this guy, Hydrogen Peroxide, and baking soda are your main Elbow Grease guys. Soap is made to break down oil especially, but it’s a solvent for most things if you scrub hard enough. You can enhance the scrubby-ness of it by adding banking soda, but bleach or vinegar will denature the lipids that make soap a good solvent.

Secondarily, these things also help:

Lemon juice - Smells nice, has some antibacterial properties, and the scent lingers nicely. Mix with vinegar or alcohol only.

Mint / Spearmint/Peppermint oil - bug repellent. A lot of bugs taste with their feet, and strong smells can ward them off. Doesn’t particularly matter if the oil is food safe, since it’s to keep bugs away. Can be mixed safely with soap or alcohol, but keep kids and pets out of small unventilated spaces while you’re spraying. Dilute about 20 drops of oil in a spray bottle filled with water, add about the same amount of alcohol or soap, shake to mix. Spray around doors, windows, and corners.

I’m gonna be so real, you can do a lot with these here, without ever mixing them more than I’ve described. Go forth and don’t cough up blood trying to clean.

hey remember how awhile back i mentioned that tiktok has a whole trend where people mix cleaning supplies well i redownloaded tiktok so im finally able to show you what i mean

[calwounds]

Can You Use Alcohol for Wound Cleansing?

When it comes to treating minor wounds, scrapes, or cuts, many people instinctively reach for a bottle of rubbing alcohol. It's long been a staple in home first aid kits, believed to effectively kill germs and prevent infections. But is alcohol really the best choice for wound cleansing? At CA Wounds, where expert wound care is our priority, we aim to clarify the facts about using alcohol for wound care and explore safer, more effective alternatives.

How Does Alcohol Work as a Disinfectant? Rubbing alcohol, typically containing 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, works by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi on contact. This makes it a powerful disinfectant for cleaning surfaces and sterilizing tools. However, using alcohol directly on an open wound introduces a different set of concerns.

The Effects of Alcohol on Wounds While alcohol is effective at killing bacteria, it’s also cytotoxic, meaning it damages living tissue. When applied to an open wound, alcohol doesn't discriminate between harmful bacteria and the healthy cells essential for healing. It can:

Damage fibroblasts and other cells needed for tissue repair

Delay wound healing by disrupting new cell growth

Cause significant pain and irritation upon application

Increase the risk of scarring

These effects are particularly concerning for people with chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, or sensitive skin conditions. Instead of promoting healing, alcohol can slow the body’s natural repair process and increase discomfort unnecessarily.

What Do Medical Experts Recommend? Modern wound care guidelines, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), generally advise against using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine solutions directly on open wounds. While these agents are excellent for disinfecting intact skin or sterilizing instruments, they are too harsh for living tissue in wounds.

Instead, healthcare professionals recommend cleansing wounds with:

Clean, running water: Gently flushing the wound helps remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.

Sterile saline solution: A balanced, gentle option that won’t damage healthy tissue.

Mild, non-toxic wound cleansers: Specially formulated for medical wound care, these solutions are designed to clean without harming the healing process.

After cleansing, wounds should be gently dried and covered with an appropriate dressing to protect against infection and promote a moist healing environment.

When Is Alcohol Appropriate? There are situations where alcohol remains a valuable tool in wound management — but typically not for cleaning the wound itself. Appropriate uses of alcohol include:

Disinfecting intact skin around a wound prior to suturing or dressing changes

Sterilizing medical instruments and wound care supplies

Hand hygiene for caregivers before and after wound care procedures

It’s important to distinguish between disinfecting the environment and treating the wound directly.

Safer Alternatives for Home Wound Care For minor cuts and scrapes, consider these safer, evidence-based practices:

Rinse the wound with clean, lukewarm water for several minutes.

Pat the area dry with sterile gauze.

Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if necessary.

For larger, deeper, or infected wounds, always seek medical attention to ensure proper care. Click for more info.

While alcohol is an effective disinfectant for surfaces and unbroken skin, it is not suitable for wound cleansing. Its potential to damage healthy tissue and delay healing outweighs any short-term antibacterial benefits. At CA Wounds, we advocate for gentle, evidence-based wound care practices that prioritize both cleanliness and the body’s natural healing abilities. If you have questions about wound management or need professional care, our expert team is here to help.

[adchemgas]

Denatured Ethanol: A Versatile Solvent for Industrial and Consumer Applications

Denatured ethanol is ethanol that has been chemically altered by adding denaturants to make it undrinkable, thereby exempting it from alcohol taxes. This versatile solvent is widely used in industrial, laboratory, and consumer applications, including cleaning agents, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuel additives. Its effectiveness as a solvent for oils, resins, and other compounds makes it invaluable in various manufacturing processes. Denatured ethanol is also commonly used in the production of hand sanitizers and disinfectants due to its antimicrobial properties, making it an essential chemical in hygiene and sanitation. For more details visit our website: www.adchemgas.com

[profnadia123]

The Role of Molecular Pathology in Infectious Disease Detection

Infectious diseases have long been one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, necessitating rapid, accurate, and effective diagnostic methods. While traditional diagnostic techniques like microscopy, culture methods, and serological tests have been the cornerstone of infectious disease detection, molecular pathology has transformed the landscape of diagnosis, offering faster, more precise, and highly sensitive alternatives.

Molecular pathology plays a critical role in identifying pathogens at the genetic level by detecting the DNA or RNA of infectious agents. This capability allows for the early detection of infections, even in their asymptomatic or latent stages, and provides detailed insights into the pathogen’s characteristics. Here’s an exploration of how molecular pathology contributes to infectious disease detection, along with an overview of the key molecular methods used.

What is Molecular Pathology?

Molecular pathology is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing diseases through the analysis of genes, proteins, and other molecules that make up an organism. Unlike traditional methods that rely on visualizing pathogens or antibodies, molecular pathology directly identifies and analyzes the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the infectious agent. These techniques allow for a more accurate, sensitive, and specific detection of a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

The Importance of Molecular Pathology in Infectious Disease Detection

The key advantage of molecular pathology is its ability to detect pathogens at a genetic level. This has several crucial benefits:

Increased Sensitivity: Molecular methods can detect even low amounts of pathogen DNA or RNA, which is especially valuable in cases of early or subclinical infections.

Faster Diagnosis: Many molecular techniques offer rapid results, enabling clinicians to make timely decisions and initiate appropriate treatment.

High Specificity: Molecular methods can identify specific strains or variants of pathogens, allowing for targeted treatment and monitoring of resistance patterns.

Detection of Novel Pathogens: Molecular diagnostics can help identify new or emerging infectious agents, even before they are widely recognized or characterized.

Molecular Methods of Infectious Disease Detection

Several molecular techniques are used in the detection of infectious diseases, each offering unique advantages. Here’s an in-depth look at the most commonly used methods:

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is one of the most widely used molecular techniques in diagnostic pathology. PCR amplifies small amounts of pathogen DNA or RNA, making it detectable even if only a few copies of the pathogen are present. It works by using specific primers that match the DNA sequence of the pathogen, allowing for targeted amplification.

How it works: PCR involves cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, which produce millions of copies of a specific DNA fragment from the pathogen. Once amplified, the DNA can be detected using various methods, such as gel electrophoresis or fluorescent dyes.

Applications in Infectious Disease Detection:

Bacterial Infections: PCR is used to detect pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), and Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia).

Viral Infections: PCR detects viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections: PCR is useful in diagnosing fungal pathogens like Candida and parasitic infections like malaria.

Advantages: PCR is highly sensitive and specific, providing results in a short time frame. Additionally, it can detect infections even when the pathogen is present in low quantities.

2. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR)

Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is a variant of PCR that is used to detect RNA viruses. Unlike DNA, RNA requires an extra step of conversion into complementary DNA (cDNA) using the enzyme reverse transcriptase before amplification. This technique is essential for detecting viruses with RNA genomes, such as HIV, influenza, and coronaviruses.

How it works: RT-PCR involves two main steps: (1) reverse transcription of RNA into cDNA and (2) PCR amplification of the cDNA. This allows for the detection of RNA viruses at an early stage of infection, often before antibodies are detectable in the patient.

Applications in Infectious Disease Detection:

Viral Infections: RT-PCR is crucial for detecting RNA viruses like HIV, influenza, Hepatitis C, and SARS-CoV-2.

Advantages: RT-PCR is particularly valuable in diagnosing viral infections, including newly emerged viruses. It provides high sensitivity and can detect the virus even during the early stages of infection.

3. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an advanced technology that allows for the comprehensive analysis of genetic material. NGS can sequence the entire genome of a pathogen, providing detailed information about its genetic makeup, which can help identify mutations, strains, and potential drug resistance markers.

How it works: NGS involves high-throughput sequencing, where millions of DNA or RNA fragments are sequenced simultaneously. This results in a comprehensive map of the pathogen's genetic material, which is compared against known databases to identify the organism.

Applications in Infectious Disease Detection:

Broad-spectrum Detection: NGS can be used to detect a wide range of pathogens in a single test, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Antimicrobial Resistance: NGS is valuable in identifying mutations associated with resistance to antibiotics or antivirals, which helps inform treatment choices.

Advantages: NGS is a powerful tool for detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously (multiplexing), which is especially useful in cases where patients are infected with more than one organism. It also allows for in-depth analysis of genetic variations and resistance markers.

4. In Situ Hybridization (ISH)

In Situ Hybridization (ISH) is a technique used to detect specific nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) within a tissue sample. It involves the use of labeled complementary probes that bind to the target nucleic acid sequence, allowing visualization of the pathogen directly in the tissue.

How it works: The tissue is fixed and incubated with a probe that is complementary to the pathogen’s genetic material. The probe is labeled with a fluorescent or enzymatic marker, which allows for visualization under a microscope.

Applications in Infectious Disease Detection:

Viral Infections: ISH is used to detect viruses like Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in tissue biopsies.

Bacterial Infections: ISH can help identify bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) in tissue samples.

Advantages: ISH allows for the localization of pathogens within specific tissues, which is useful for understanding how the infection affects the host. It also provides direct evidence of the presence of a pathogen in a sample.

5. Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is an alternative to PCR that amplifies DNA at a constant temperature, making it easier and more cost-effective for field-based testing. LAMP is particularly useful for point-of-care testing in resource-limited settings.

How it works: LAMP amplifies DNA using a set of primers and a strand-displacing DNA polymerase. The amplification occurs at a constant temperature (usually around 60-65°C), eliminating the need for complex thermocyclers.

Applications in Infectious Disease Detection:

Bacterial Infections: LAMP can be used to detect bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Viral Infections: LAMP is also effective in detecting viral pathogens like the Zika virus and the hepatitis B virus.

Advantages: LAMP is rapid, cost-effective, and does not require sophisticated equipment, making it ideal for point-of-care or field settings.

Conclusion

Molecular pathology has revolutionized the field of infectious disease diagnostics by enabling highly sensitive, specific, and rapid pathogen detection. The various molecular techniques—such as PCR, RT-PCR, NGS, ISH, and LAMP—offer unparalleled advantages in identifying pathogens at the genetic level. These methods not only allow for earlier diagnosis but also provide valuable insights into pathogen characteristics, including genetic variants, resistance profiles, and transmission patterns.

As technology continues to advance, molecular diagnostic tools are expected to become more accessible, faster, and affordable, making them even more crucial in the global fight against infectious diseases. By enabling better detection, more targeted treatments, and more effective control measures, molecular pathology plays an essential role in improving global health outcomes and managing infectious disease outbreaks.

[kendricklabsinc]

Streamlined Strategies for Immunoblot & Western Blot: Data Tips!

Western blotting and immunoblot techniques are essential tools in protein analysis for pharmaceutical, academic, and industrial research. Ensuring accurate, reproducible, and high-quality results requires streamlined strategies that optimize efficiency while minimizing errors. At Kendrick Labs, Inc., we specialize in providing professional lab services to support precise protein analysis. This guide offers essential tips for enhancing the Immunoblot Western Blot workflow.

Optimizing Sample Preparation

Protein Extraction

Use lysis buffers appropriate for your target proteins to ensure efficient extraction without degradation.

Include protease and phosphatase inhibitors to prevent protein degradation during extraction.

Optimize sonication or mechanical disruption based on the sample type to enhance protein yield.

Protein Quantification

Accurately measure protein concentration with BCA or Bradford assays to ensure equal loading.

Always include a standard curve for precise quantification.

Avoid detergents or reagents that may interfere with the assay.

Sample Storage

Store samples at -80°C to maintain protein integrity and avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Aliquot samples in small volumes to minimize repeated freeze-thaw damage.

Label and track samples properly to prevent mix-ups.

Efficient Gel Electrophoresis and Transfer

Gel Selection

Choose the appropriate gel percentage based on your protein’s molecular weight.

Consider using gradient gels for a broader separation range.

Run molecular weight markers in parallel for accurate size determination.

Loading Consistency

Always use the same volume and concentration across wells to maintain reproducibility.

Add loading buffer with reducing agents like DTT or β-mercaptoethanol to break disulfide bonds.

Heat samples at 95°C for 5 minutes before loading to denature proteins.

Transfer Method

Select between wet, semi-dry, or dry transfer based on protein size and lab resources.

Optimize transfer time and voltage to prevent overheating and incomplete transfer.

Check membrane transfer efficiency using Ponceau S staining before proceeding.

Blocking and Antibody Incubation Best Practices

Blocking Agent Selection

Use 5% non-fat dry milk or BSA depending on antibody specificity.

Consider alternative blockers like casein or synthetic blockers to reduce background.

Primary and Secondary Antibody Dilution

Optimize dilutions to reduce background while ensuring strong signal detection.

Use appropriate buffer conditions for antibody incubation (e.g., TBST for phosphorylated proteins).

Rotate or shake membranes during incubation to ensure even binding.

Incubation Conditions

Maintain consistent times and temperatures to standardize results.

Incubate primary antibodies overnight at 4°C for improved binding efficiency.

Use fresh secondary antibodies to prevent signal degradation.

Enhanced Detection and Analysis Techniques

ECL Selection

Use chemiluminescence reagents with optimal sensitivity for your target.

Choose between standard and high-sensitivity substrates based on protein abundance.

Film or Digital Imaging

Digital systems provide higher consistency, while film can be useful for specific applications.

Avoid overexposure when using film to prevent signal saturation.

Capture multiple exposure times to ensure optimal signal detection.

Signal Normalization

Normalize protein bands to housekeeping proteins or total protein stains for quantitative accuracy.

Verify that housekeeping protein levels remain constant across samples.

Use loading controls from the same membrane to ensure reliable normalization.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Weak or No Signal

Ensure proper antibody specificity and optimize exposure time.

Increase primary antibody concentration or incubation time if needed.

Verify protein transfer efficiency by staining the membrane with Ponceau S.

High Background Noise

Improve washing steps and adjust blocking conditions.

Reduce exposure time to minimize background artifacts.

Use cleaner reagents and filter buffers to remove contaminants.

Uneven Bands

Avoid gel overloading and confirm even transfer efficiency.

Ensure proper gel polymerization to prevent lane distortions.

Check loading buffer integrity and sample preparation methods.

Data Quantification and Interpretation

Densitometry Analysis

Use software tools like ImageJ or commercial software for precise quantification.

Define proper background subtraction techniques for accuracy.

Ensure consistent settings across all samples for reliable comparisons.

Statistical Validation

Perform at least three independent experiments to confirm reproducibility.

Use appropriate statistical tests to assess significance.

Report error bars and confidence intervals to enhance data interpretation.

Why Choose Professional Lab Services?

A professional protein analysis lab like Kendrick Labs, Inc. ensures high-quality, reproducible results while saving researchers time and effort. Our expertise in Immunoblot Western Blot techniques guarantees accuracy, and we offer free quotes/advice to help guide your research.

Benefits of Professional Lab Services

Access to advanced equipment and experienced scientists.

Quality control measures to ensure reliable and reproducible results.

Faster turnaround times to accelerate research progress.

Get Expert Help for Your Research!

Get free quotes/advice from our experienced team.

Trust a professional lab service for precision and reliability.

Contact us today for customized solutions.

Need more details? Go right here for more information!

Enhance your lab research with expert guidance.

At Kendrick Labs, Inc., we are committed to advancing protein analysis with streamlined, efficient, and data-driven approaches. Let us help optimize your Immunoblot Western Blot workflow today!

Original Sources: https://kendricklabs.blogspot.com/2025/03/streamlined-strategies-for-immunoblot.html

[itryperfumes]

Its been AGES but I got back into the BPAL scents. I tried Tavern of Hell, expecting what I had last time: a fun combination of fresh, floral, and woods.

It just smells like ....woods, or teak, it smells more like the Antikythera Mechanism scent. All the green and nearly all the floral notes are just gone.

I mean, I don't hate it, but it's not what I expected. I keep my perfumes in a cool, dry, dark environment, so even tho they're all little imps and decants, I expected them to last. It's been a few years, but it shouldn't have gotten denatured like that?

Well, at least I like how it turned out, especially since Antikythera Mechanism is out of stock (truly shocking, as it's one of the most beloved scents the brand has, and it is even tagged as such!)

Voodoo, however, smelled exactly as I remembered, as did the actual Antikythera Mechanism imp. I tend not to roll with most florals but I think I have an imp of Blood Kiss somewhere about. I'll try that and see how it's aged.

ETA: went and popped some of the imps I do have. I must have given away Blood Kiss - I think I gave it to Scheiny to replace one of her dearly departed scents from a different brand no longer in production - but Desire and Fallen smell more or less how I remember. Embalming Fluid is still nice, but it's definitely got a more cleaning agent note to it than it used to.

Is this just age? Maybe I'll get more new imps and test them against the old ones?

[alchemyofazeroth]

Elixir of Water Breathing

The Elixir of Water Breathing is a potent alchemical concoction that, when imbibed, allows the drinker to extract dissolved oxygen from water, enabling them to breathe underwater for an extended duration.

Difficulty:

Junior-level alchemy. Alchemy trainers teach you how to make this elixir in classes in major cities.

Reagents:

One-part Stranglekelp

Two-parts Blackmouth Oil

One crystal vial, for bottling

Makes one potion. Adjust for larger batches, but brew each individually to ensure quality and accuracy of measurements.

Recipe:

The brew is created by combining one part Stranglekelp and two parts Blackmouth Oil in precise proportions. Stranglekelp is a common type of kelp that grows along the continental shelves of the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor respectively, and contains unique enzymes that catalyze the oxygen extraction process. The Blackmouth fish secretes an oil from specialized glands that, once refined, acts as a binding agent to merge the Stranglekelp's active ingredients with the drinker's pulmonary alveoli, allowing for the direct absorption of oxygen from water.

Once these ingredients have been obtained, the Stranglekelp must be ground into a paste. The Blackmouth oil is then added drop by drop, stirring constantly. The mixture must be allowed to steep for precisely 3 hours before being strained and decanted into a glass vessel. It is important not to introduce significant heat to this elixir, as heat will denature the enzymes in the Stranglekelp.

When the elixir is consumed, it takes effect within minutes, supplying oxygen directly to the bloodstream even in the absence of air. The effects typically last up to thirty minutes based on the dosage and purity of ingredients used. While this powerful elixir can be tremendously useful for underwater exploration and seafaring, it is a delicate brew to create, requiring precise measurements and ideal ingredient freshness to avoid any toxic reactions with impurities.