The Midnight Magic plant, also known as Tacca chantrieri or the Bat Flower, is a unique and fascinating species of plant. It is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This plant is famous for its exotic and dark appearance, with large and intricate flowers that resemble bat wings. The Midnight Magic plant belongs to the yam family and is a perennial herbaceous plant. It typically grows up to 18 inches in height, with lush green foliage. The leaves are long and broad, with prominent veins running through them.
The virus, which emerged in December in China, has killed nearly 500 people and shows no sign of abating, with thousands of new cases reported each day, mostly in central China’s Hubei province. But its spread to some 27 countries and regions has caused global alarm.
That runs counter to reports of a supposed breakthrough that on Wednesday boosted financial markets and spurred optimism not necessarily backed by reality. Gilead has only a limited supply of its remdesivir, which will be tested against the coronavirus after previously failing in trials as a treatment for Ebola.
The leaves are long and broad, with prominent veins running through them. The plant thrives in warm and tropical climates, where it can receive sufficient sunlight and humidity. One of the most striking features of the Midnight Magic plant are its flowers.
Drugmakers see long road ahead in coronavirus vaccine race
(Reuters) - Drugmakers racing to find a vaccine or effective treatment for the deadly new coronavirus in China cautioned that they have a long way to go.
That runs counter to reports of a supposed “breakthrough” that on Wednesday boosted financial markets and spurred optimism not necessarily backed by reality.
At least a dozen drugmakers are working on vaccines or antivirals and other treatments to help those infected with the fast-spreading contagion.
Investment costs for vaccines could run as high as $800 million in a process that, even if accelerated, will likely take more than a year until approval, according to executives from companies involved in the effort.
"It will take at least 12 to 18 months, which means in the acute situation we are in now - at least in China - that will not create a benefit," said Thomas Breuer, chief medical officer of GlaxoSmithKline's GSK.L vaccine unit. GSK is working with developers by providing a technology that could make their vaccines more potent.
The virus, which emerged in December in China, has killed nearly 500 people and shows no sign of abating, with thousands of new cases reported each day, mostly in central China’s Hubei province. But its spread to some 27 countries and regions has caused global alarm.
To be sure, companies developing treatments for patients who are already sick may be able to get a drug approved faster than a vaccine that would be given to healthy people. Even so, logistical and regulatory challenges remain, according to two executives at Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O , which is working on an experimental antiviral treatment.
“There is a distinction there between a therapeutic and a vaccine. Having said that, I think it is true that this won’t be super fast and it will involve us investing at risk right now,” said Gilead Chief Medical Officer Merdad Parsey.
Clinical trials for treatments can be smaller and of shorter duration than for vaccines, Parsey acknowledged.
Slideshow ( 3 images )Challenges in making sure therapies are effective and then scaling up production still remain. Gilead has only a limited supply of its remdesivir, which will be tested against the coronavirus after previously failing in trials as a treatment for Ebola.
‘LOOKING FOR A MAGIC BULLET’
Dr. Thomas Frieden, who was director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the also deadly MERS outbreak, said the benefit of antiviral treatments for such emergencies in the past has been modest.
What worked with MERS and SARS, for example, was better infection control in healthcare facilities, he said of two other types of coronaviruses that also caused global alarm.
“It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, but we’re often looking for a magic bullet and the bright shiny object. Sometimes we need to just have the basics,” Frieden said.
A Chinese TV report on Wednesday said that a research team at Zhejiang University had found an effective drug for the virus, while researchers in the UK told Sky News separately they had made a “significant breakthrough” in finding a vaccine.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports, but several traders cited them for sharp upticks in global stock markets.
“There are no known effective therapeutics against this 2019-nCoV,” said World Health Organization spokesman Tarik Jasarevic, using the current designation for the new coronavirus, when asked about reports of “drug breakthroughs.”
Slideshow ( 3 images )Health officials in the United States and China have set ambitious goals for getting a vaccine to initial human testing within the next few months.
Newer vaccine platforms, such as one developed by Moderna Inc MRNA.O , allow scientists to create a potential vaccine in record time just based on knowing the genetic code of the novel coronavirus. With the genetic code in hand, scientists can start vaccine development without needing a sample of the virus.
Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is using Moderna’s platform, said the agency is on the fastest pace ever to develop a vaccine candidate.
He hopes to have a vaccine available for initial safety testing within two and a half to three months from the time scientists determined the genetic sequence of the virus.
Novavax Inc NVAX.O research chief Gregory Glenn told Reuters his company has taken vaccines from discovery to clinical testing in 90 days and believes it could do something similar for the new coronavirus.
But to move vaccine candidates from the lab to widespread use in patients involves a number of hurdles, according to health experts and executives for drugmakers working on coronavirus vaccines and treatments.
In addition to scaling up manufacturing capacity and building distribution networks, there are regulatory hurdles such as conducting large clinical trials to make sure a vaccine not only confers immunity to the virus but is safe for use in the general population.
“The earliest you could even know if it’s going to work is a year,” Fauci said.
Whether even a highly effective vaccine will prove profitable for companies is another big question.
“The outbreak could be abating by the time a vaccine is deemed safe,” Karen Andersen, who follows biotech companies for Morningstar, said in a research note.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has raised around $800 million from donors to aid in preventing pandemic diseases and has allocated some of those funds to biotechs, including Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc INO.O , Moderna Inc MRNA.O and CureVac, which are working on coronavirus vaccines.
"We stepped into this with no economic expectation," said Paul Stoffels, Johnson & Johnson's JNJ.N chief scientific officer. "We'll see whether in the end it gives a reward."
Reporting by Carl O’Donnell and Michael Erman in New York; additional reporting by Julia Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Bill Berkrot
Es una mascarilla desenredante, anti-frizz y alisadora, que aporta bastante brillo y sedosidad al cabello.
The flowers emerge on tall stalks above the leaves. They are usually deep purple or almost black in color, with intricate patterns and long, thread-like bracts that resemble bat wings. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, hiding beneath these showy bracts. The dark coloration and unique shape of the flowers have earned the plant its spooky name. The Midnight Magic plant is not only visually captivating but also has an interesting pollination mechanism. Unlike most flowers that rely on insects or birds for pollination, this plant attracts pollinators such as flies and beetles. The foul smell emitted by the flowers mimics the odor of rotting meat, which attracts these insects. As they crawl around the flowers, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the plant's reproduction. Growing the Midnight Magic plant can be a challenge, as it requires specific conditions to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The plant requires consistent moisture but shouldn't be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. It is also crucial to provide the plant with indirect sunlight and high humidity, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat. Due to its unique appearance and symbolism, the Midnight Magic plant is often used as an ornamental plant. It is a favorite among collectors of exotic plants and can be found in botanical gardens around the world. Growing this plant can be a rewarding experience, bringing a touch of mystique to any garden or indoor space. In conclusion, the Midnight Magic plant is a fascinating species with its dark and mysterious appearance. From its enchanting bat wing-shaped flowers to its specialized pollination mechanism, this plant captivates both botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. With the right conditions and care, the Midnight Magic plant can thrive, adding an element of magic and intrigue to any garden or collection..
Reviews for "The Myth and Legend Surrounding the Midnight Magic Plant"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Midnight Magic Plant. The plant arrived looking wilted and unhealthy, and no matter what I did, I couldn't revive it. The leaves quickly turned yellow and fell off, leaving just a sad, bare stem. I followed all the instructions for care, but it just didn't thrive like the pictures showed. I wouldn't recommend this plant to anyone.
2. John - 1 star - I regret purchasing the Midnight Magic Plant. It was advertised as a vibrant and eye-catching plant, but it arrived in a sorry state. The leaves were dehydrated and discolored, and it didn't have the allure that was promised. No matter how much care I provided, the plant struggled to survive. I reached out to customer service, but their response was disappointing. Overall, it was a waste of money and I wouldn't buy from this company again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - The Midnight Magic Plant did not live up to my expectations. Despite following all the care instructions, the plant started to wither within a week of arrival. The leaves lost their deep purple color and turned a sickly green. I was really looking forward to having a striking plant, but instead, I ended up with a sad-looking twig. It's unfortunate because the pictures online made it seem like such a beautiful addition to any collection. I would caution others to think twice before buying this plant.