NSABB censors scientific research

Scientists at Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam working on the deadly bird flu H5N1 have discovered a new even more dangerous strain of the virus. The new virus can be easily transmitted among ferrets which suggest that it will have similar effect in humans. The team of researchers who discovered new strain wanted to publish their result as well as to call for an “international forum” to discuss possible risks and values of the studies. However, National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which oversees such research, asked the researchers to suppress the data and refrain from publishing details of how the new version of H5N1 was made.  NSABB fears that new strain can be used by terrorists if enough information about the virus is released. Because the research itself was funded by US, NSABB believes it can regulate what information should be published if any. The researches and scientists all over the world resisted NSABB’s censorship saying that it is not appropriate for one country to decide in discussion that has  a worldwide impact. Currently, the research has been stopped, and future actions may be discussed during a World Health Organization meeting in February.


Oksana Vernygora


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16662346