Federation of American Scientists Case Studies in Dual Use Biological Research Module 5.0: Antibiotic Resistance Case Study
Topic: Discussion Subtopic: References and Further Reading

 
Bryan Walsh, A Wing and a Prayer. Time Magazine, October 9, 2005.
 
This Time Magazine feature and cover story looks at the spread of Avian Flu in Asia, its jump to humans, aggressive disease pathology and some of the work being done to stop it becoming the next pandemic. "As Hurricane Katrina showed, hoping for the best isn't enough when it comes to preparing for potential catastrophe. Here's how three top scientists are racing to avert an avian-flu pandemic."
 
 
 
Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism, National Research Council of the National Academies, Washington, DC: The National Academies Press (2004).
 
A committee of the National Research Council, chaired by Dr. Gerald R. Fink, aimed to consider ways to minimize threats from biological warfare and bioterrorism without hindering the progress of biotechnology, which is essential for the health of the nation. The resulting report notes that the tension between the spread of technologies that protect us and the spread of technologies that threaten us is the crux of the dilemma. Among its seven recommendations are ones to develop awareness programs to educate scientists about dual use issues in biotechnology, establishing seven categories of scientific research that should be subject to special review, and creation of the NSABB as a means for institutional review and guidance regarding biosecurity issues. These key provisions have all been enacted or will be pursued in the context of NSABBs activities. The significance of these actions, this committee and this report are that they represent the first fundamental steps by the life sciences community to provide self-governance to a major post-9/11 issue affecting future biotechnology research.
 

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