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By Category: Research

Study explores the role of uncertainty in infectious disease modelling

(EurekAlert) Research by scientists at the University of Liverpool has found that greater consideration of the limitations and uncertainties present in every infectious disease model would improve its effectiveness/usefulness and value. Infectious disease dynamical modelling plays a central role in planning for outbreaks of human and livestock diseases, in projecting how they might progress and Read More »

October 21, 2013
| Filed under Europe, North America, and Research
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Bioterrorism Fear Led Scientists to Withhold Botulinum Toxin Info

(NationalJournal) Researchers have uncovered a new breed of Botulinum toxin, however, they are withholding certain information about the neurotoxin out of concern it could be misused by individuals seeking to develop a biological weapon, National Public Radio reported on Wednesday. Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, which is present in soil all Read More »

October 14, 2013
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, and Research
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Don’t let fear of bioweapons kill off science

(NewScientist) IT IS autumn in the northern hemisphere. Somewhere in Asia, a winter flu virus is evolving that will make millions miserable in a few months. Other microbial threats are less predictable: a deadly new virus called MERS, two kinds of emerging bird flu, and a planetful of other evolving infections. We have a fighting Read More »

October 10, 2013
| Filed under Europe, North America, and Research
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Flu Researcher Ron Fouchier Loses Legal Fight Over H5N1 Studies

(ScienceInsider) Virologist Ron Fouchier has suffered a loss in a legal battle with the Dutch government over the publication of his controversial H5N1 influenza research. On Friday, a Dutch district court ruled that the government was right to ask Fouchier to obtain an export license before sending two hotly debated papers out for publication. The Read More »

October 7, 2013
| Filed under Europe, North America, and Research
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Facebook and Twitter may yield clues to preventing the spread of disease

(ScienceDaily) Facebook and Twitter could provide vital clues to control infectious diseases by using mathematical models to understand how we respond socially to biological contagions. Cold and flu season prompts society to find ways to prevent the spread of disease though measures like vaccination all the way through to covering our mouths when we cough Read More »