Recent News

By Region: North America

Duration of Bird Flu Research Restrictions Remains Uncertain

(Global Security Newswire) Observers remain uncertain of the timing and means for ending a pause on investigations into factors needed to render avian influenza communicable between mammals, though half a year has passed since top flu experts unilaterally declared the suspension, the Canadian Press reported on Friday.

July 30, 2012
| Filed under North America, Agriculture, Biosafety, Public Health, and Research
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Colombian Style Cheese Recalled for Potential Staph Contamination

(Food Safety News) A New York-based company is recalling a Colombian-style cheese product because it may be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The recall comes a week after the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA) warned consumers not to eat this same cheese because it had not been properly pasteurized.

July 30, 2012
| Filed under North America, South America, Agriculture, Biosafety, and Public Health
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Synthetic biology: ‘playing God’ is vital if we are to create a better future for all

(The Guardian) “Playing God since 1660” reads the motto on the Royal Society’s sign in a scene from The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, the latest film from the makers of Wallace and Gromit. And now I can no longer enter the doors of our national science academy without quoting the Pirate Captain’s rallying Read More »

July 30, 2012
| Filed under Europe, North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
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Experts condemn plans to lift ban on research into deadly H5N1 birdflu virus

(The Independent) Plans to lift a voluntary ban on research into the deadly H5N1 birdflu virus have been denounced by leading scientists who are appalled that the work has already led to flu strains that are potentially infectious between humans. Flu researchers announced the moratorium last January after growing concerns about two experiments funded by Read More »

July 27, 2012
| Filed under North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
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UN urges for global moratorium on research using deadly livestock virus

(UN News Centre) The United Nations food agency is calling on countries to comply with a global moratorium on research using the live rinderpest virus to ensure that this deadly livestock disease remains eradicated. “While rinderpest has been successfully eradicated, there may be some virus material that would be useful for research or vaccine development,” Read More »