Scientists Create Deadlier TB Strain By Accident

Makarand writes "BBC News is reporting that Scientists at the University of California (Berkeley, U.S.) accidentally created a hyper-virulent form of the Tuberculosis bacterium while trying to alter its genetic structure to make it less deadly. The mutant form of the super-bug could multiply more quickly and also had the unexpected effect of undermining the body's own immune response against Tuberculosis."

Comments

Underlines the problems with genetic manipulation.

[pwagland]

First up, don't get me wrong. Genetic research is incredibly useful, and as a tool in the modern medical warchest has paid great dividends. However, from the article "The emergence of these strains should pose no risk to humans, [Dr Morici] said." He goes on to say that these strains probably already exist, or have existed in the wild, but, for whatever reason, they are not viable.

Now imagine, for sake of argument, that we create a similar problem with wheat or rice, common non-human subjects of genetic manipulation. Further, assume that we don't catch it in the lab. It might not kill us directly, but by wiping out our "natural"* crops it may well starve us to death... * "natural" since farmers have been selectively breeding grains and livestock for many centuries, it is just that recently we have improved on the technique.

Why were they trying in the first place?

[Tango42]

What is the point of trying to make less deadly versions of TB? Are they trying to make a version that will stimulate the production of the same antibodies, but not harm someone, so they can make a live vacine? The article doesn't seem to worry about details like that, i guess the interesting bit is them making a harmless mistake, rather than the useful work they are trying to do...

Risk Assessment

[Wardish]

Actually I'm surprised that there was any report in the news at all. Some enterprising reporter must have been keeping a close eye on minor publications or some such.

In the scheme of things and to put it into perspective.

People are going to be doing this sort of work either out in the open or as underground projects. The fact is that we've the best chance to have the skills and technology to deal with the possible accidental and/or bioterror release if we encourage as much work in this area as we can.

If we clamped down on it then only a small elite group will have access to the knowledge and tools and they will be of lower quality than in a more open scenario.

Yes I have considered that the "bad" guys will also have the advantage of better tools. Additionally there will be an increased risk of accidental release due to much more research being done. But I think the advantages of having many more people available and speeding up our advances far outweigh the added risk.

Mmmmm thorazine....

Quick!

[metamatic]

Someone call Rumsfeld, I know his friend Saddam is in jail but he might know another murderous dictator we can sell the stuff to.