Campus Units
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
2-2012
Journal or Book Title
Science
Volume
335
Issue
6069
First Page
660
Last Page
661
DOI
10.1126/science.1217994
Abstract
We are in the midst of a revolutionary period in the life sciences. Technological capabilities have dramatically expanded, we have a much improved understanding of the complex biology of selected microorganisms, and we have a much improved ability to manipulate microbial genomes. With this has come unprecedented potential for better control of infectious diseases and significant societal benefit. However, there is also a growing risk that the same science will be deliberately misused and that the consequences could be catastrophic. Efforts to describe or define life-sciences research of particular concern have focused on the possibility that knowledge or products derived from such research, or new technologies, could be directly misapplied with a sufficiently broad scope to affect national or global security. Research that might greatly enhance the harm caused by microbial pathogens has been of special concern (1–3). Until now, these efforts have suffered from a lack of specificity and a paucity of concrete examples of “dual use research of concern” (3). Dual use is defined as research that could be used for good or bad purposes. We are now confronted by a potent, real-world example.
Rights
Works produced by the U.S. Government are not copyrighted within the U.S. The content of this document is not copyrighted.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Burns, Kenneth I.; Casadevall, Arturo; Cohen, Murray L.; Ehrlich, Susan A.; Enquist, Lynn W.; Fitch, J. Patrick; Franz, David R.; Fraser-Liggett, Claire M.; Grant, Christine M.; Imperiale, Michael J.; Kanabrock, Joseph; Keim, Paul S.; Lemon, Stanley M.; Levy, Stuart B.; Lumpkin, John R.; Miller, Jeffery F.; Murch, Randall; Nance, Mark E.; Osterholm, Michael T.; Relman, David A.; Roth, James A.; Vidaver, Anne K.; and National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), "Adaptations of Avian Flu Virus Are a Cause for Concern" (2012). Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine Publications. 82.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/vmpm_pubs/82
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Influenza Humans Commons, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons
Comments
This article is from Science 335 (2012): 660, doi:10.1126/science.1217994.