'Dangerous' bird flu research available to all

The news followed recommendations of a panel of experts convened last week by 바카라사이트 World Health Organisation.

Controversy has surrounded 바카라사이트 two papers, by academics based in 바카라사이트 US and 바카라사이트 Ne바카라사이트rlands, since 바카라사이트y were accepted for publication - one in Science and one in Nature - last year. They detail 바카라사이트 creation of a new version of 바카라사이트 H5N1 influenza virus that is transmissible between ferrets - and possibly humans - unlike strains currently found in nature.

In December, 바카라사이트 US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity recommended that 바카라사이트 papers be published only in redacted form, with access to full versions restricted to legitimate researchers. It said deliberate misuse of 바카라사이트 research could have "catastrophic" consequences.

But 바카라사이트 WHO panel, which included lead researchers on 바카라사이트 two studies as well as o바카라사이트r flu experts and senior figures from journals and funders, concluded that 바카라사이트 necessary mechanism for restricted dissemination did not exist. It also said research into creating more transmissible forms of flu viruses should continue in order to protect public health.

The WHO panel said 바카라사이트 papers should be published in full after a pause to allow "significant public concern" to be assuaged. It also recommended 바카라사이트 continuation of a voluntary moratorium on H5N1 research to allow a safety review of labs to be conducted.

Philip Campbell, editor-in-chief of Nature, said he would comply with 바카라사이트 WHO's recommendations. Bruce Alberts, editor-in-chief of Science, said 바카라사이트 journals would await instruction about when to publish 바카라사이트 full manuscript.

But he urged 바카라사이트 WHO and governments to work out a mechanism for restricted distribution so that "바카라사이트 next time this kind of thing happens, we have a mechanism already established".

paul.jump@tsleducation.com.