Prion

Full Title or Meme

Originally an infection vector caused by a misfolded protein that can cause that same misfolding wherever it goes. Can also be used in computer system were a data element is changed in such a way as to cause a failure of the program the depends on a correct value for that data element.

Context

• In medicine Prions are a type of intrinsically disordered protein that continuously changes conformation unless bound to a specific partner, such as another protein. Once a prion binds to another in the same conformation, it stabilizes and can form a fibril, leading to abnormal protein aggregates called amyloids. These amyloids accumulate in infected tissue, causing damage and cell death.[13] The structural stability of prions makes them resistant to denaturation by chemical or physical agents, complicating disposal and containment, and raising concerns about iatrogenic spread through medical instruments.
• In computer systems major system failure was caused when CrowdStrike issued an update to their