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A Federal Ban On Making Lethal Viruses Is Lifted (nytimes.com)
schwit1 shares a report from The New York Times (Warning: source may be paywalled; alternative source): Federal officials on Tuesday ended a moratorium imposed three years ago on funding research that alters germs to make them more lethal. Such work can now proceed, said Dr. Francis S. Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, but only if a scientific panel decides that the benefits justify the risks. Some scientists are eager to pursue these studies because they may show, for example, how a bird flu could mutate to more easily infect humans, or could yield clues to making a better vaccine.
Critics say these researchers risk creating a monster germ that could escape the lab and seed a pandemic. Now, a government panel will require that researchers show that their studies in this area are scientifically sound and that they will be done in a high-security lab. The pathogen to be modified must pose a serious health threat, and the work must produce knowledge -- such as a vaccine -- that would benefit humans. Finally, there must be no safer way to do the research. "We see this as a rigorous policy," Dr. Collins said. "We want to be sure we're doing this right." "Now where are those twelve monkeys?" adds schwit1.
Critics say these researchers risk creating a monster germ that could escape the lab and seed a pandemic. Now, a government panel will require that researchers show that their studies in this area are scientifically sound and that they will be done in a high-security lab. The pathogen to be modified must pose a serious health threat, and the work must produce knowledge -- such as a vaccine -- that would benefit humans. Finally, there must be no safer way to do the research. "We see this as a rigorous policy," Dr. Collins said. "We want to be sure we're doing this right." "Now where are those twelve monkeys?" adds schwit1.
The Stand, Act One
Because This is How You Get ZOMBIES!
I can't be the only one that noticed this "typo":
Such work can now proceed, said Dr. Francis S. Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, but only if a scientific panel decides that the benefits justify the risks. Some scientists are eager to pursue these studies because they may show, for example, how a bird flu could mutate to more easily infect humans, or could yield clues to making a better vaccine. Such work can now proceed, said Dr. Francis S. Collins, the head of the National Institutes of Health, but only if a scientific panel decides that the benefits justify the risks. Some scientists are eager to pursue these studies because they may show, for example, how a bird flu could mutate to more easily infect humans, or could yield clues to making a better vaccine.
Yes, the summary repeated two sentences - how did the editors not catch this before publication? Furthermore, remember how all the smart kids - under the previous administration - "restored science in it's rightful place"? It was those kids, three years ago, that chose to ban scientific research, no matter the benefit! Now the current administration actually lifts the ban and restores scientific research that has a demonstrable benefit, and because their candidate didn't with the last election they have taken a 180 and now oppose scientific research.
I wonder if they changes their position on Stem Cell Research as well?
Ken
Well, last time we were doing bioweapons research and testing we did it fifteen miles from the Capitol, so I'm sure this will likewise performed somewhere safe.
First you pass a tax law to initiate a massive and hilariously unsustainable wealth transfer to the 1%, then you approve research into potential pandemic-causing bioweapons...it looks bad when you do these things together, see where I'm coming from?
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel