My scariest novel yet takes place outside Beijing in the lonely northern desert. A level 4 bio lab has been working on weaponizing mRNA to cause mitochondria to shut down, which would lead to the death of all cellular animals, from people to bacteria.

Oxidative phosphorylation is a process in bacteria and mitochondria in which ATP formation is driven by the transfer of electrons from food molecules to molecular oxygen. It involves the intermediate generation of a proton gradient (pH gradient) across a membrane and chemiosmotic coupling. What the mRNA weapon does is interfere with the oxidation by preventing ADP from recharging ATP. Even the Krebs cycle is compromised.

By shutting down the energy factory of all weapon-exposed cells, death is irreversible. The weapon comes in two versions: an aerosol and a longer-lived active powder.

While transporting the powder weapon by truck convoy, a sandstorm causes a collision of several trucks, releasing the powder into the winds of desert sands.

Hijinx ensue...