The US researchers, reported Science magazine, used genetic modification techniques to knock out a mouse gene which is responsible for keeping the immune system in check so that it does not launch attacks on itself.

BBC: Body may cause lethal heart weakness

The Bank of England warned of these dangers in April, pointing out that signs of vulnerability in one part of the financial system can quickly have knock-on effects in other parts.

ECONOMIST: British banks

We also should revive and update the technology for Brilliant Pebbles, a space-based system developed in the early 1990s that, when completed, was to have the ability to knock out missiles soon after they were launched.

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