Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

"US Biosecurity Board Revises Stance on Mutant-Flu Studies"

"The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) today recommended the publication of two controversial avian flu papers."



"In December 2011, the board said that experimental details of the two studies should be redacted from any publications because of concerns that the information could be used in a bioterror attack. The board also feared that publishing the details would prompt more laboratories to work on the viruses, making an accidental release more likely.

Today, after a two-day meeting, the board decided to revise its earlier decision. The NSABB unanimously recommended full publication of one of the two disputed papers, a manuscript submitted to Nature by Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his colleagues. “We at Nature are delighted,” said editor-in-chief Philip Campbell. “Subject to any outstanding regulatory or legal issues, we intend to proceed with publication as soon as possible.”  "

Delcan Butler and Heidi Ledford report for Nature News March 30, 2012.

SEE ALSO:

"Federal Board OKs Bird Flu Studies" (National Journal)

"Panel Says Flu Research Is Safe to Publish" (New York Times)

Source: Nature, 04/02/2012