This is just a placeholder
 |
|
| A: Isolated spores. B: Spores in typical interlocked configuration |
|---|
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe Euclid Keter
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX cannot currently be contained due to its global atmospheric presence. Samples are maintained at Biological Research Campus 8 and should be treated with normal precautions for infectious biomaterials. Researchers wishing to conduct experiments on SCP-XXXX may apply to site administration. Note: Due to recent experimental results, researchers will now be required to undergo a psychological exam prior to being granted access to specimens.
Description:
SCP-XXXX is a highly modified member of the Aspergillus fungal family. It is capable of anomalously fast growth and reproduction and grows in harsh environments not previously documented in the genus. SCP-XXXX feeds on combustion remnants produced by commercial jet engines and in combination with atmospheric water vapour, can produce several tons of fungal spores within an hour of dispersion.
SCP-XXXX was first discovered in the 1960s as jet engine use expanded. Reports of large 'blanket' cloud formations were at first believed to be natural ice crystal structures caused by jet exhaust. SCP agents stationed within NASA were alerted when several atmospheric surveys revealed the presence of significant quantities of anomalous spores. It is not known whether these spores were introduced after the invention of jet travel, or whether they were extant.
While the presence of such a large number of spores is alarming, no evidence of any biological threat has been discovered. Foundation agents have introduced regulations to promote the cleaning of aircraft with antifungal agents in an attempt to reduce any risk. SCP-XXXX has been designated Aspergillus Transmissiovolans and has been submitted for biological research to determine its origin and means of growth and reproduction.
02/03/1976
Since the introduction of high bypass turbofans into commercial service, a marked increase in fungal spore density has been noted. It is hypothesised that the lower exhaust temperature of modern engines provides a more suitable environment for fungal development. Test flights are planned to research this phenomena.
15/07/1976
Tests conducted from a number of modified aircraft have yielded vital information. Spores are capable of attaching to aircraft in flight and subsequently consuming resources in their exhaust to reproduce. It appears that no anti fungal solution will be sufficient unless it can survive the aerodynamic forces involved with flight. Furthermore, reproduction is not significantly affected by exhaust temperature and shows a high success rate up to temperatures of 80°C. Further research is awaiting authorisation.
 |
|
| Spores being produced by SCP-XXXX |
|---|
02/09/1986
The phenomena caused by SCP-XXXX has entered the public conciousness. Several papers have been published noting the warming effect of high level cirrus clouds which in reality are significantly composed of fungal spores in an interlocked pattern. No significant results have yet been produced by research into these spores, and no plan to eradicate or reduce their numbers has been proposed. Given the potential for damage to ecosystems caused by significant temperature variations, increased funding has been approved. A quasi-governmental body will be set up in order to provide a public face to research these effects and Foundation agents have begun a misinformation campaign alleging government involvement in secret experimentation.
22/06/1991
The atmospheric spore concentration continues to increase proportionate to commercial air traffic. No viable solution has yet been proposed. Modern genetic testing on fungal spores reveal that they share several features with several different branches of Aspergillus and several indirectly related Saprobes. Their genetic structure also contains a significant quantity of uncategorised DNA which appears to be novel. Given that SCP-XXXX appears to be a manufactured organism all research focus is now shifting to suppression and elimination. Misinformation campaigns have been largely successful, with increased cloud cover now being a recognised consequence of air travel. Further low level misinformation activities are ongoing but appear to be self sustaining.
12/08/1998
Experimentation on the developmental morphology of SCP-XXXX has revealed potential avenues for eradication. During reproduction the fungus produces a unique protein which attaches to the structure of the jet engine. This appears to function as an insulator and an attachment for the newly created fungal bodies. Work is underway on alternative materials which will not bond with the fungal protein and will not permit reproduction. It has also been discovered that the concentration of CO2 within the atmosphere can have a significant effect on reproductive success. Abnormally for their genus, SCP-XXXX spores require a significant quantity of CO2 in order to produce viable offspring. Decreased CO2 concentrations have also been shown to decrease the density of spore trails left by contaminated aircraft.
Our research has shown clearly that the presence of dense spore clouds significantly increases temperature within their vicinity. Deviations of more than 0.5°C have been noted in major metropolitan areas and several papers have been published detecting climate variations outside normal bounds. Given the potential effects of such significant change, SCP-XXXX is hereby upgraded to Euclid
28/02/2002
Further biological examination of the spores has revealed that when inhaled, spores will migrate through body tissues into the bloodstream and cross the blood brain barrier. No progress has been made on replacement materials nor on reducing atmospheric CO2 concentration. This latest discovery is extremely alarming and as such, four Foundation biological research sites have been tasked with determining the effects of these spores.
19/04/2003
After extensive trials on human and animal subjects, the only effect from SCP-XXXX spores that has been discovered is an increased likelyhood of rejecting consensus opinion. Atmospheric CO2 levels are increasing faster than predicted and it is believed the interlocking cloud formations are responsible. Measurements of cloud luminosity have revealed that the clouds absorb significantly more sunlight than expected, presumably fuelling CO2 production.
01/01/2005
Addendum: [Optional additional paragraphs]