# 6077
The Journal Nature, which has been covering the H5N1 research controversy since the issue erupted, has solicited the opinions of 10 experts in influenza research on how to deal with the current H5N1 research controversy.
As you will find, the issues are complex, and answers that are going to satisfy everyone (or perhaps, anyone) are going to be very hard to find.
Follow the link below to read:
Preventing pandemics: The fight over flu
Nature (2012) doi:10.1038/481257a
- Published online 15 January 2012
A proposal to restrict the planned publication of research on a potentially deadly avian influenza virus is causing a furor.
Ten experts suggest ways to proceed.
You’ll find opinions voiced by such influenza luminaries as:
Ron Fouchier & AB Osterhaus
John Steinbruner
Kwok-Yung Yuen
D. A. Henderson
Lynn Klotz & Ed Sylvester
Jeffery K. Taubenberger
Richard H. Ebright
David L. Heymann
Nature has also set up a special portal to allow readers to access the growing backlog of news and opinion surrounding this issue.
Mutant flu
Scientists have created a form of the H5N1 avian flu virus that is transmissible between mammals, raising fears that it could trigger a human pandemic if it escapes from the lab - either through accidental release or as part of a bioterror attack. As debate rages over how much of the research should be published, and whether there is sufficient oversight of such work, you can follow all Nature's coverage of the issue here.
