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Science & Technology

Scientist creates killer flu virus in lab

By T.K. Randall
November 28, 2011 · Comment icon 206 comments

Image Credit: Diego Cupolo
Five tweaks of the H5N1 virus is all it takes to turn it in to one of the most deadly ever flu strains.
Like something from a horror movie the killer virus is so dangerous that if it ever got out it could cause untold devastation and death. Unsurprisingly the research has generated a great deal of controversy and criticism, with lead scientist Ron Fouchier fearing a substantial backlash for creating it. "I can't think of another pathogenic organism that is as scary as this one," said Paul Keim, chairman of the U.S National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity.
The deadly virus is a genetically tweaked version of the H5N1 bird flu strain, but is far more infectious and could pass easily between millions of people at a time. The research has caused a storm of controversy and divided scientists, with some saying it should never have been carried out.


Source: Daily Mail | Comments (206)

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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #197 Posted by badeskov 13 years ago
They may be extremely careful, but I don't care how careful you are..it only takes once. I've been in microbio labs before so I know they take a ton of precautions ect. Their 'work is nothing sick or stupid". While I may not think it 'stupid' in the sense you have to have some intelligence to know what your doing and understand the growth ect. Even intelligent beings can do stupid things. Weaponizing bacterium and other cells ect does happen and I understand that as well. But do I think it intellgient to create a super deadly disease..overall no. I do not see the validity in it, especially som... [More]
Comment icon #198 Posted by puridalan 13 years ago
Bado No, there are certain things we should do to prepare against nature, and in no way shape or form did I even say that. Secondly, I have studied the history of anthrax reading over 12 books on it, and studied it in microbiology...that being said anthrax was actually on the decline and affecting very little people, when it was being weaponized and no where near or even close as deadly as it has been today even though their have been lung reports in the past. I do not find it necessary to create the biggest baddest virus out there...no. Do I feel that beings need to be on their toes and have ... [More]
Comment icon #199 Posted by FurthurBB 13 years ago
They may be extremely careful, but I don't care how careful you are..it only takes once. I've been in microbio labs before so I know they take a ton of precautions ect. Their 'work is nothing sick or stupid". While I may not think it 'stupid' in the sense you have to have some intelligence to know what your doing and understand the growth ect. Even intelligent beings can do stupid things. Weaponizing bacterium and other cells ect does happen and I understand that as well. But do I think it intellgient to create a super deadly disease..overall no. I do not see the validity in it, especially som... [More]
Comment icon #200 Posted by FurthurBB 13 years ago
Bado No, there are certain things we should do to prepare against nature, and in no way shape or form did I even say that. Secondly, I have studied the history of anthrax reading over 12 books on it, and studied it in microbiology...that being said anthrax was actually on the decline and affecting very little people, when it was being weaponized and no where near or even close as deadly as it has been today even though their have been lung reports in the past. I do not find it necessary to create the biggest baddest virus out there...no. Do I feel that beings need to be on their toes and have ... [More]
Comment icon #201 Posted by puridalan 13 years ago
I did do my research and I DO understand the purpose just because someone doesn't agree with every tiny detail does NOT mean they didn't read up and saying that to someone is arrogant. And I already said in my first post that it WAS weaponized, I am the one who said that from the very beginning..so what the hell you are on about I am not sure. I UNDERSTAND what it was made for and intended...DOES NOT mean I have to agree..I don't think you all are getting that. Thats like saying to someone who has read the bible and various other religious texts, and because they don't agree with what it was u... [More]
Comment icon #202 Posted by FurthurBB 13 years ago
I did do my research and I DO understand the purpose just because someone doesn't agree with every tiny detail does NOT mean they didn't read up and saying that to someone is arrogant. And I already said in my first post that it WAS weaponized, I am the one who said that from the very beginning..so what the hell you are on about I am not sure. I UNDERSTAND what it was made for and intended...DOES NOT mean I have to agree..I don't think you all are getting that. Thats like saying to someone who has read the bible and various other religious texts, and because they don't agree with what it was u... [More]
Comment icon #203 Posted by Romenoch 13 years ago
I wonder when this will 'accidently' get turned loose on us?
Comment icon #204 Posted by badeskov 13 years ago
I wonder when this will 'accidently' get turned loose on us? Probably when that accidental mutation happens in nature....the flu is very good at mutating and generating new strains. Cheers, Badeskov
Comment icon #205 Posted by sean6 13 years ago
this is and update Science journal could give recipe for deadly avian flu virus -- A science journal is poised to publish a study that some experts believe could give a recipe to bioterrorists. The study is from an experiment by a Dutch scientist who engineered the avian flu virus to make it more deadly to mammals by making it spread through the air. That experiment was funded by the U.S. government, and it has sparked a passionate debate among scientists. Part of that debate is over where this research could lead, and whether it is worth it. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/12/us/journal-avian-flu/... [More]
Comment icon #206 Posted by ZaraKitty 13 years ago
What the? I don't even..
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