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Op-Ed – Dual-Use Research: Is it possible to protect the public without encroaching rights?
T. Tosin Fadeyi, Master’s Candidate, Biotechnology (Biodefense and Biosecurity Concentration), University of Maryland Read More »
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Book Review: Bioinsecurity and Vulnerability
Reviewed by T. Tosin Fadeyi Edited by Nancy N. Chen and Lesley A. Read More »
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Op-Ed – Microbial Forensic Attribution: Where Science Meets International Relations
Christopher A. Bidwell, JD, Senior Fellow for Nonproliferation Law and Policy, Federation of American Read More »
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Op-Ed – Science Needs for Microbial Forensics: Developing Initial International Research Priorities
Committee on Science Needs Microbial Forensics: Developing an Initial International Roadmap, Board on Read More »
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Op-Ed – A Necessary Biopreparedness Priority: Strengthening the Medical Countermeasures Enterprise
Christina England, Master’s Candidate, Security Policy, University of Maryland School of Public Policy; Read More »
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About Virtual Biosecurity Center
Analyzing a Bioterror Attack on the Food Supply: The Case of Botulinum Toxin in Milk
The authors of this document have developed a “mathematical model of a cows-to-consumers supply chain associated with a single milk-processing facility that is the victim of a deliberate release of botulinum toxin. Because centralized storage and processing lead to substantial dilution of the toxin, a minimum amount of toxin is required for the release to do damage. Irreducible uncertainties regarding the dose-responding curve present us from quantifying the minimum effective release. However, if terrorists can obtain enough toxin, and this may well be possible, then rapid distribution and consumption result in several hundred thousand poisoned individuals if detection from early symptomatics is not timely.”
By Lawrence M. Wein and Yifan Liu
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