What is 'Disease X and what the plans to stop The Exorcist director William Friedkin dies aged 87

What is 'Disease X and what the plans to stop The Exorcist director William Friedkin dies aged 87

One of the UK's most secretive centres of scientific research - Porton Down - is aiming to stop the next pandemic "in its tracks".

Located in the Wiltshire countryside near Salisbury, UK, the new facility is one of the few places in the world equipped to research some of the most dangerous viruses and bacteria.

The new vaccine research centre is concentrating on three main things: known infections that are getting harder to deal with, like antibiotic-resistant superbugs, potential threats like new Covid variants and "Disease X" - something unforeseen that takes the world by surprise.

William Friedkin, director of the classic horror film The Exorcist, died on Monday at the age of 87.

No cause of death has yet been confirmed, but the director was said to have suffered health issues in recent years.

His other famous films included crime thriller The French Connection, which won five Academy Awards including best director.