Adaptations of Avian Flu Virus Are a Cause for Concern

Abstract

<p>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 (<em>1</em>–<em>3</em>). Until now, these efforts have suffered from a lack of specificity and a paucity of concrete examples of “dual use research of concern” (<em>3</em>). 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.</p>