Recent News

By Category: Research

US virologists ask NSABB to reconsider H5N1 decision

(CIDRAP) The letter, sent to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) on Jan 18, was signed by virologists from US universities, according to a report today from ScienceInsider, the online news service of Science. The NSABB made its ruling …

January 23, 2012
| Filed under Europe, North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
Share

More labs close to deadly bird flu mutations: researcher

(Reuters) The request by the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has set off an intense debate about how to balance the free flow of scientific information against the threat of an “Armageddon” weapon if that research falls into the wrong hands. In a statement to Reuters, Science said that its “editors are optimistic Read More »

January 20, 2012
| Filed under North America, International, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
Share

Balancing scientific freedom and national security

(EurekAlert!) The U.S. government’s request that the journals Science and Nature withhold scientific information related to the genetically modified H5N1 virus because of biosecurity concerns does not violate the First Amendment, say two Georgetown University professors. They caution, however, that a fair, transparent process undertaken by research organizations is preferable to governmental constraints on disseminating Read More »

January 20, 2012
| Filed under North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
Share

Carnegie Mellon study reveals potential of manganese in neutralizing deadly Shiga toxin

(EurekAlert!) Carnegie Mellon researchers have discovered that manganese, an element commonly found in nature, might provide a way to neutralize the potentially lethal effects Shiga toxin. New results published in the Jan. 20 issue of Science could pave the way for future research aimed at creating an inexpensive treatment for infections caused by bacteria that Read More »

January 20, 2012
| Filed under North America, Countermeasures, and Research
Share

Scientists Find Protein Critical to Ebola’s Spread

(Global Security Newswire) Scientists have isolated a critical protein exploited by the Ebola virus in its spread through the body, the New York Times reported on Monday. The typically lethal virus did not affect biological cells without the protein, and its effect was limited in mice that had been genetically altered to produce less of Read More »