Recent News

By Region: North America

Draft Supplementary Risk Assessment for the Boston University NEIDL is now available

(NIH Blue Ribbon Panel) The Draft Supplementary Risk Assessment for the Boston University National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL) is now available for public review and comment. The Notice of Availability for the draft supplementary risk assessment was published in the February 24, 2012 edition of the Federal Register.

February 24, 2012
| Filed under North America, Biosafety, and Research
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H5N1 bird flu infection may be more common, less deadly, than thought

(Los Angeles Times) The World Health Organization says the H5N1 bird flu kills nearly 60% of people who become infected, but a study released Thursday suggests the true fatality rate may actually be much lower. Virologists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City examined data on blood samples collected from more Read More »

February 24, 2012
| Filed under Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South Asia, International, Public Health, and Research
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Biosecurity Board Head Questions Call to Release Full Flu Research Papers

(Global Security Newswire) The head of the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has voiced reservations about an international expert group’s recommendation to publish the full findings of studies that increased the transmissibility of the avian flu virus, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy reported on Tuesday. The U.S. board in December Read More »

February 24, 2012
| Filed under Europe, North America, International, Policy & Initiatives, and Research
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Racial Divide Seen in Fear Over Anthrax Strike

(Global Security Newswire) ANAHEIM, Calif. — Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States are more likely than white residents to consider themselves at high risk of dying or suffering serious harm from the intentional release of anthrax, according to research survey results unveiled on Wednesday. The findings highlight the need for targeted government communications over Read More »

February 24, 2012
| Filed under North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Public Health
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Flu papers warrant full publication

(Nature.com) That is the rationale provided by Paul Keim, acting chair of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), in response to questions posed by Nature (PS Keim Nature 482, 156–157; 2012) about the NSABB’s recommendation that recent work …