Astro-pathogens, exo-infections and xeno-medicine (plus a physician’s approach to panspermia)

Maybe a pathogen from outer space will wipe out all intelligent life on Earth. Perhaps it already has. In any case, what sort of virus might it be? Adenovirus (I-don’t-know-virus). Learning objectives 1. Explore the current thinking behind pathogen viability outside Earth 2. Consider the panspermia hypothesis and potential relationship to pandemics 3. Reflect on […]

Read More Astro-pathogens, exo-infections and xeno-medicine (plus a physician’s approach to panspermia)

Dangerous diamonds from Benvenuto to Bollywood (the myths and medicine of diamond ingestion)

Is it dangerous to lick a diamond? Can I die from swallowing a diamond? What happens if you eat diamond dust? Is diamond harmful or helpful for health? These are some of the questions about diamond ingestion and toxicity that appear on the internet. Isn’t the answer clear cut? Learning objectives 1. Explore the origins […]

Read More Dangerous diamonds from Benvenuto to Bollywood (the myths and medicine of diamond ingestion)