Table of Contents
(A) The Future of Medicine.
Note: Xian Sheng was referencing the TIME Magazine on the topic – the Future of Medicine, dated 11 Jan 1999.
Xian Sheng said that we must be familiar with the two terms, DNA and RNA. These are new jargon that we must know so that we can follow along when newspapers discuss biological evidence, such as the DNA, sperm and forensic details mentioned in Anwar Ibrahim’s legal cases. Without this knowledge, we would simply be reading the words without truly grasping their significance.
Xian Sheng raised the question of whether DNA or RNA is responsible for providing the instructions needed to replicate new cells. Understanding these concepts is essential for a basic grasp of Genetic Engineering, which represents the cutting edge of 21st-century technology. Computers are no longer the most advanced technology; therefore, we must stay informed and keep our knowledge up to date.
Xian Sheng began by explaining that Ribose is a pentose sugar—a type of sugar containing five carbon atoms—that serves as the structural framework for the RNA ladder. Its chemical structure consists of 5 Carbon atoms, 10 Hydrogen atoms, and 5 Oxygen atoms, represented by the formula C5H10O5. In the natural world, it is almost always found in its Dextrorotatory (D) form. Essentially, Ribose acts as the sugar backbone that holds the RNA molecule together.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) is the genetic polymer responsible for transporting messages within our cells. Xian Sheng explained that “NA” stands for Nucleic Acid—large, complex molecules that store and transmit genetic data. He highlighted three primary types of RNA: mRNA (Messenger RNA): This acts as a courier, transcribing genetic instructions from the secure DNA vault inside the nucleus and carrying that code out to the cytoplasm. rRNA (Ribosomal RNA): This serves as the motor for the ribosome, the cell’s assembler, which physically stitches amino acids together. tRNA (Transfer RNA): This component reads the three-letter genetic code and delivers the specific amino acids required by the ribosome to build proteins.
Xian Sheng described how ribose sugars bond with nitrogenous bases—specifically Uracil, which is unique to RNA—to build the RNA structure. He noted that Uracil forms Uridine Triphosphate (UTP), a molecule essential for activating glucose to produce Glycogen. This process plays a vital role in the body’s various cellular and chemical activities.
Xian Sheng went on to explain DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid. These nucleic acids are typically polynucleotides that serve as the fundamental blueprint for heredity. Primarily found within the cell nucleus, DNA is structured as a double helix. This “twisted ladder” is held together by hydrogen bonds between purine bases (Adenine and Guanine) and pyrimidine bases (Thymine and Cytosine), which point inward. The structure is supported by two outer strands consisting of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups.
Xian Sheng further explained that although every somatic cell in the human body carries the exact same DNA, mRNA functions differently depending on the cell type. In cells like muscles, nerves, neurons, or skin, the mRNA specialises by transcribing only the specific genetic codes relevant to that particular cell’s function. This process allows cells with the same blueprint to perform vastly different roles.
(B) Is Japanese Encephalitis the reason for the outbreak?
Xian Sheng paraphrased the opening of “The Biotech Century”, noting that computers are no longer the leading edge of technology. He explained that the previous era was the century of physics, defined by physicists transforming silicon into computing power. Xian Sheng added his view that the century of physics also gave rise to the atomic bomb through nuclear physics. While people thought of the atomic and hydrogen bombs as dangerous, he suggested that, despite their potential danger, they are not as dangerous as genetic engineering.
Xian Sheng stated that biological warfare (correctly referring to germ warfare rather than chemical warfare) is more serious than nuclear warfare involving atomic or hydrogen bombs. He noted that while nuclear weapons have a vast fallout area, biological warfare involves the release of dangerous germs. These germs multiply within the hosts and spread across borders, creating a threat that continues to grow unless a cure is found.
Xian Sheng used Japanese Encephalitis (JE) as an illustration. He read to the followers that scientists describe JE as a virus transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes. Xian Sheng then raised the question of whether other methods of JE transmission might exist. (Scientists state JE can only be transmitted via the bites of the Culex mosquitoes.)
A sister enquired if consuming meat from an infected animal could be another method of transmission. Looking at the current transmission rates in Malaysia, Xian Sheng agreed that the disease might be spread through eating the infected meat. (Although proper cooking kills the virus and ensures the meat is safe to eat, the disease can be transmitted when handling the raw infected meat.) Consequently, Xian Sheng expressed doubt regarding the scientific explanation provided for the current outbreak. He reiterated the earlier statement, “virus transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Culex mosquitoes.”
Xian Sheng questioned the actions of the authorities, arguing that if the meat were not harmful, the pig farmers should have been permitted to butcher and sell it in the market. Instead, the authorities arrested those selling pork. He cited a specific instance where an individual was arrested for selling pork at the Taman Maluri market.
Xian Sheng asked why the authorities prevented abattoirs from slaughtering pigs. A sister suggested this was an attempt to control the JE outbreak by culling the infected animals. Xian Sheng then questioned the fate of the healthy pigs, asking why the authorities did not draw blood to test for the JE virus. He argued that if the pigs were proven to be free from infection, they should have been considered safe to be slaughtered for sale.
A brother suggested that no one was willing to take the risk of performing those tests. Xian Sheng agreed, noting that this supported his earlier point: he doubted the scientific claim that the JE virus is spread to humans solely via infected Culex mosquitoes. He argued that abattoirs were stopped from slaughtering pigs because the authorities knew that the meat provided another route for transmission. He believed the government would attempt to spin the narrative, which only strengthened his doubts regarding their scientific explanation of the transmission.
(C) Pigs and not mosquitoes are spreading the disease.
Xian Sheng shared a conversation he had with a pig farmer who had spent his entire life raising pigs. This chap (old English word for man) questioned the government’s claim that mosquitoes were the source of the infection. He explained that because his house was located near the pig’s stable, he could smell the breath exhaled by the pigs while they slept. Xian Sheng then raised the possibility of whether breath containing liquid particulates could carry the virus and transmit the disease to humans.
A brother suggested a second possibility: the Hendra virus. Xian Sheng noted that the pig farmer had been correct in his assessment of the virus even before the government officially identified the pathogen involved. The farmer explained that his knowledge came from years of experience; those living near pig farms are accustomed to breathing in the air exhaled by the pigs as they sleep.
The pigs contracted the disease from fruit bats and subsequently transmitted it to humans by expelling the virus through their powerful exhalations. The brother compared this airborne transmission to the way the flu or a cough is spread.
Xian Sheng reiterated that the pig farmer’s assessment was not wrong. He questioned whether the government had explored alternative methods of transmission, rather than insisting the virus was spread by Culex mosquitoes. He noted that the official advice for people to sleep under mosquito nettings did nothing to prevent the virus from spreading.
Nevertheless, Xian Sheng advised avoiding pork for the time being, until the government was sure that pigs no longer carried the disease.
(D) Humans are dead-end hosts for the Nipah virus.
The article Xian Sheng read indicated that pigs act as carriers, leading him to conclude that Chinese farmers who refuse to let the government cull their livestock are stupid.
The article noted that humans act as dead-end1hosts for this virus. Xian Sheng explained that once the Nipah virus enters a person’s system, it moves through the bloodstream to organs such as the heart and brain. The condition can worsen rapidly, causing fatal encephalitis and severe neurological decline before resulting in a coma.
However, if a person has a strong constitution or if they were previously exposed to the Hendra virus or JE, they may have unknowingly developed antibodies that allow them to fight off Nipah. Xian Sheng also noted that inoculation, particularly for JE, helps individuals build immunity against the disease.
(E) The authorities’ information about the JE is crap.
Xian Sheng read from the government’s fact-sheet:
1. Eating pork will not cause JE;
2. Pigs are not the ones bringing the virus to humans;
3. You cannot contract JE by being in close contact with the infected person;
4. You cannot get infected by touching or being in close contact with pigs;
5. Not all fevers are symptoms of JE;
6. JE cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans, nor people to people;
7. Vaccines are not 100% effective;
8. Only Culex mosquitoes carry the JE virus.
These are the materials the government is distributing to the public, findings that are supported by researchers and scientists.Symptoms and effects: flu-like fevers, chills, tightness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, fits, convulsions, malaise, vomiting, auto-phobia, pain in the eyes caused by light, confusion and agitation; memory lapses may also occur. These are the things that people have to look out for. Only people who are more than 55 years old may be at a higher risk after infection.
Xian Sheng questioned the fact-sheet, asking how many of the deceased were actually over 55 and whether anyone under 55 had died. The followers’ responses supported Xian Sheng’s view that the government’s details were largely incorrect. When asked about the distributed fact-sheet, one follower bluntly stated that it was crap.
Nevertheless, despite the misinformation, Xian Sheng advised the followers to be careful.
(F) Fruit bats are natural reservoirs for deadly viruses like Hendra and Nipah.
The fact-sheet further detailed the discovery of the first Hendra virus in horses in Australia, an event reported in a local newspaper. It stated that the source of the virus is fruit bats, which are capable of infecting other animals.
Xian Sheng proposed a hypothetical scenario in which individuals living near these fruit bats might have incidentally developed immunity to the Hendra virus.
Sister Amy Too enquired whether all fruit bats are infected with these diseases or if they serve as natural carriers. Xian Sheng responded that it is indeed possible for fruit bats to carry these viruses naturally.
Nevertheless, Xian Sheng reiterated that if a person has a strong constitution and has been exposed to various past infections, they may have developed a robust immune system capable of fighting off the Nipah virus. He cited examples of victims who fell into a coma but later regained consciousness. While these individuals survived the disease, they did not make a full recovery and continued to suffer from residual deficits.
The article Xian Sheng read described humans as dead-end hosts who would eventually succumb to the disease. He cited the Black Death, also known as the Black Plague, a major pandemic transmitted by black rats that swept through Europe, claiming more lives than World War II. Another example Xian Sheng offered was cholera, a disease that has historically claimed more lives than warfare.
(G) The US invaded Iraq because of WMD.
Xian Sheng stated that he loves the book “Man and Microbes. Disease and plagues in history and modern – Arno Karlen” and recalled mentioning it during a previous meditation session. He then asked how many of the followers present had heard him speak about it. The book discusses how diseases such as the Black Plague, cholera, influenza, and others follow specific patterns in spreading and killing people.
Xian Sheng then discussed why the Americans felt compelled to attack Iraq2. The American claim was that Iraq held such weapons—nuclear, chemical, and biological, specifically germ warfare. He stated that once these germs were released, their spread would be impossible to control, and the Americans were well aware of the severity of this risk. One brother laughed, pointing out that the Americans also possess WMD. Nevertheless, Xian Sheng replied that the Americans had stopped manufacturing them and had contained and sealed their stockpiles3. Xian Sheng added that the Americans know that if these weapons fall into the wrong hands, the entire Earth could be completely destroyed, not by nuclear bombs, but by biological warfare.
Another danger facing the world is humanity’s experimentation with genetic engineering. He concluded this topic by stating that the situation is becoming increasingly serious, signalling that the world is moving towards a perilous era where weapons exist that could trigger extinction-level events.
(H) Unlimited DNA combinations for humans.
Note: Xian Sheng misunderstood the application process for patenting genetic sequences.
Xian Sheng asked if the followers knew that DNA can be mapped. (Mapping DNA is akin to creating a detailed atlas of a genome, revealing the locations of key genes.) He then asked how many genes have been identified in humans.
He noted that some researchers have patented specific gene sequences within the mapped genome. Xian Sheng explained that the human genome map resembles the bar codes found on product labels in a supermarket.
Initially, he stated that researchers had submitted patent applications covering between 5 and 60 genetic sequences. However, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office later imposed a rule limiting each application to a maximum of 10 genetic sequences. Consequently, covering 60 sequences would necessitate six separate applications and the payment of multiple filing fees.
Xian Sheng questioned whether it is morally right to allow researchers to patent our DNA. He added, “Who can own your DNA?” He reminded the followers that every individual possesses a unique set of DNA. Therefore, can a stranger truly own our genetic map? Ultimately, Xian Sheng asked who holds the right to decide on the ownership of our genetic sequences. While we might argue that our DNA belongs to us, researchers have already begun to patent these genetic sequences.
Xian Sheng voiced his concern over the potential legal ramifications of patenting human DNA. He posed a critical question: would we eventually be forced to pay licensing fees merely to access our own genetic data? He noted that such a situation would be deeply ironic.
Xian Sheng returned to his earlier question regarding the total number of gene sequences researchers would ultimately identify. Since the answer was undetermined as of 1999, he invited the followers to make an educated guess. He then revealed a figure of no less than 100 billion.4
Just as no two people share the same fingerprints, every human possesses a unique DNA profile. It is this genetic code that underpins such individuality. Therefore, regardless of whether they belong to past, present, or future generations, every human being will carry distinct DNA. This vast diversity arises from the fact that a variation of merely 0.1% across the 3 billion base pairs results in an astronomical number of possibilities—43,000,000 allowing for near-infinite combinations.
- A dead-end host is an infected individual who does not shed enough virus to infect others, thus breaking the chain of transmission. This differs from amplifying hosts such as pigs, which spread the virus efficiently.
- based on the false premise that Iraq still possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD)
- In 1969, President Nixon unilaterally ended the U.S. offensive biological weapons program and ordered the destruction of stockpiles. The U.S. signed the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1972. In 1997, the U.S. ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), committing to destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles.
- In 1999, TIME magazine quoted 100,000 genes, though current science indicates humans possess only 20,000–25,000 genes. It appears Xian Sheng recalled this statistic incorrectly.