In an effort to understand the H5N1 bird flu virus, a Dutch virologist has reportedly created a far more deadly version that can be transmitted from human to human very easily. Fortunately, it will stay in the lab. So there’s nothing to worry about, right?
Erasmus Medical Centre virologist Ron Fouchier presented his findings earlier this year, and the research is now being studied by numerous bodies around the world. Some people are worried that the H5N1 virus could be used as a weapon one day, in which case such research might be best kept out of the ‘wrong’ hands.
The ‘wrong’ hands apparently don’t include the US (!), who are said to be studying the results, as are experts from Japan. Anyway, there’s no need to be concerned. Move along. There’s no possible way that this could come back to bite anyone in the ass.
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