Scientists call for curbs on own research on deadly bird flu virus
Virus experts in the US say outbreak of genetically engineered bird flu could be worst influenza pandemic in history
A group of the leading virus experts in the US has called for new, permanent restrictions on research in the face of a new genetically engineered flu virus that could kill half the population of the world.
Scientists are currently observing a 60-day moratorium on research into the bird flu virus, after two groups found a way to make it infectious through airborne transmission.
An outbreak of this virus could be worse than the 1918 Spanish flu that killed tens of millions of people, warned Michael Osterholm – who has led research into previous dangerous outbreaks – at a public meeting on censorship in science in New York on Thursday night.
"Frankly, I don't want a virus out there that, even if it was 20 times less lethal, would still be the worst influenza pandemic in history," he said.
Professor Osterholm is a member of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which in December asked the journals Science and Nature not to publish the full research on the virus.
And to think that I have been frightened that my financial welfare has been under the control of a Wall Street that was unable to control itself. At least the science wants some sort of self-control. However, I hear the marching song of the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, and I shall be back from the future.... like La Jetée.
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