Photo Credit CDC PHIL
# 5988
Over the past couple of weeks bird flu researchers have been slammed repeatedly in the popular press for conducting experiments that have produced a better H5N1 virus.
One that is not only lethal, but transmits well among mammals. (see New Scientist: Five Easy Mutations)
Many media pundits have seized the populist high ground on this issue by calling these researchers `mad scientists’ and by evoking visions of bioterrorists making up vials of this (admittedly) nasty pathogen in their basement.
It’s not hard to demonize a person, a project, or an idea . . . if you know how.
Use the right `buzz’ words, ridicule or defame a person or their goals – no matter how worthy - and in short order complex issues become one-sided affairs.
Soon nearly everyone is on the bandwagon, and very quickly any opposing views are marginalized.
Of course, things are rarely as simple, or one-sided, as many people would have you believe (see The Bird Flu Research Debate Continues).
While there are legitimate issues over how much detail of these experiments should end up published, the actual research is important if we are to understand the evolution (and true threat) of the H5N1 virus.
Carl Zimmer is a well known author (12 books & counting) and science writer, who among other things, pens The Loom blog on Discover Magazine.
Today he explains why this research matters, and how little these scientists actually had to do to facilitate the creation of this lethal strain.
Very much worth reading. Follow the link to read:
Making viruses the natural way
