## Natural Compounds Show Promise Against Bird Flu
A 2023 study identified several natural plant compounds with potent anti-avian influenza activity. Researchers examined 33 plants and 4 natural compounds, using molecular docking to assess their interaction with the viral neuraminidase (NA) protein. Many extracts inhibited viral entry or release from host cells, some by interacting with viral hemagglutinin or neuraminidase, while others impacted viral RNA replication or reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ethanol was the primary extraction solvent. Several plants, including *Theobroma cacao* and *Capparis Sinaica Veil*, demonstrated activity at concentrations below 10 μg/ml. Furthermore, compounds like 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, aloe emodin, anthocyanins, and quercetin showed binding affinities to NA exceeding those of the standard drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. The authors suggest aloe emodin, quercetin, curcumin, and epicatechin gallate as promising drug development targets due to their high binding affinity and specificity. The study highlights the potential for natural compounds as inexpensive and non-patentable alternatives to synthetic treatments, urging public health agencies to investigate them further. This necessitates addressing potential corruption within these agencies, which may hinder the exploration of non-patentable solutions. This guest post by Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, Epidemiologist and Foundation Administrator, McCullough Foundation, originally appeared on Courageous Discourse.
## Other News Headlines
Politics & Current Events:
* Bill Maher repeatedly criticizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, asserting their ineffectiveness in addressing racial issues.
* A former DC police officer was convicted for contact with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio before January 6th.
* The U.S. plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Inauguration Day.
* A gay activist couple received 100-year prison sentences for the rape and abuse of their adopted sons.
* Scott Jennings counters CNN’s focus on older news stories about Matt Gaetz.
* A missing GOP congresswoman was found after six months, residing in a dementia care home.
* Maye Musk discusses Elon Musk’s philanthropic goals.
* Vivek Ramaswamy advocates for elected officials to manage government resources like shareholders.
* Rand Paul warns Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy about potential governmental obstacles.
* Elon Musk proposes using Dogecoin to audit the IRS.
* Musk and Ramaswamy unveil a Dogecoin-based plan to reduce government waste.
* A DNC committee member confirms suspicions that Biden’s advisors are effectively running the country.
* Stunning footage captures a massive explosion and subsequent fireballs over the U.S.
* CNN acknowledges the weaknesses in the election interference case against Trump.
* A liberal veteran proposes a controversial new theory about Trump.
* The Biden administration makes its first “climate arrest.”
* Representative Thomas Massie makes a significant claim against the U.S. government regarding Syria.
* Michael Cohen offers a surprising opinion on CNN, agreeing with Trump’s stance on media dishonesty.
* Joe Biden seemingly retaliates against Nancy Pelosi and individuals implicated in a supposed coup attempt.
* Peter Hotez shares a concerning message regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential leadership of the HHS.
* Diddy faces three serious lawsuits.
* A California state of emergency was declared due to bird flu, following reports of severe cases. A Missouri resident tested positive for bird flu with no animal contact. Concerns are raised about a potential repeat of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. There are also claims of a deliberate attempt to escalate the bird flu situation. Pfizer and Moderna are reportedly developing mRNA pandemic vaccines for influenza.
Other:
* A luxurious Rancho Mirage compound is advertised.
* A new study supports the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine.
* Disturbing videos depict a Florida Christmas drone display ending in disaster.
* A report details the reasons for Neil Cavuto’s departure from Fox News.
* A horrific video captures a man watching a woman burn to death after he set her on fire in a NYC subway.