[IWONDR]

I was thinking the same thing.

Question now is: how many molecules make up a single prion, and if a prion is more than one molecule, can broken-up "individualized" prion molecules act as mini-infectious particles/agents?

[CollegeRepublican]

I read a book a few years ago about Mad Cow and other prion type diseases and at the time of publication it was thought that prions were simple protiens that were somehow mutated versions of normal protiens. The mutated protiens would change the normal proteins into mutated protiens in a chain reaction like process. These "bad" proteins would then die or kill areas of the brain causing a spongy area in the brain. It was stated in the book that it was hard to break down these proteins. However, I am sure that it is possible under the right pressure and heat conditions, but this process may not produce the given requirements. It is too early to know. I do like the idea and would be interested in reading more about it. :)

[Buggman]

If I remember correctly, prions do break up at something like 600-900 degrees F (far hotter than conventional fires, and of course no good for saving the victim). This invention cooks the sludge at 900 degrees, so it should be good for getting rid of mad cow disease too.

Yours in Truth,