The 23 and Me company claim to have established, in a large study conducted on hospitalised folk, that having an 'O' Blood Group (dictated by the 'ABO' marker gene) provides some protection from infection by Sars-CoV-2 (https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/news/large-study-suggests-blood-type-o-may-be-a-protective-factor-against-covid-19-335881?fbclid=IwAR1QnpHu-qPJh1lLBefU6t87ZGCE8IaxKFXZnOlZaZ-MqSrsPTnHpCe6LOI). This is an interesting observation and adds a snippet to our understanding of this new pandemic. I can't help feeling, however, that the interpretation is a little simplistic. One's blood group, based in this single marker, does differ geographically and local 'gene pools' vary. We already know that BME folk appear to be more likely to be fatally infected by the virus than other 'racial' groups. Much of that increased risk, however, appears to be linked to socio-economic conditions. These a) alter the nature of probable employments (some of which increase the chances of being infected); b) are associated with life styles that may increase the possibilities of developing 'under-laying' health conditions (like diabetes and heart conditions) and c) can dictate the nature of how people live (crowded, multi-generational living is more common in poorer sections of society). All of these worsen the prognosis when getting a Covid-19 infection. People are generally attracted to simple 'genetic' explanations but I feel that this is a distinctly premature conclusion.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
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Birder's Bonus 241
Noted a Curlew ( Numenius arquata ) on the Loughor estuary at Bynea.
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Greater spearwort ( Ranunculus lingua ) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and digestive problems.
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Green buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tartaricum ) is also called 'Tartar buckwheat'. It's a domesticated food plant, producing kernels. ...
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Daily shots of my fully compostable Oyster mushroom pot, received for Christmas. Omelettes ahoy!
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