WHO recommends smallpox virus alteration

Nov 11, 8:04 PM EST

WHO recommends smallpox virus alteration

By PAUL ELIAS
AP Biotechnology Writer

An influential World Health Organization committee is sending shock waves through the scientific community with its recommendation that researchers be permitted to conduct genetic-engineering experiments with the smallpox virus.

The idea is to be able to better combat a disease that is considered a leading bioterror threat though it was publicly eradicated 25 years ago.

The WHO had previously opposed such work for fear that a "superbug" might emerge. Because the disease is so deadly, the WHO has even at times recommended destroying the world's two known smallpox stockpiles, located in secure labs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and in the former Soviet Union.

The recommended policy shift has reignited a debate over whether such research will help or hinder bioterrorism defenses.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WHO_SMALLPOX?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME

Fuck it. When we die, we die. Let's live and have fun now.

when listening to this story on the radio. Are they nuts?!?!??!?!
I know, yes. Wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy beyond damn stupid.

I want off!
Some one made a mistake and I don't belong here. Hello :hi: could my mother-ship come and pick me up please ;)

Are these people mad they want to experiment with smallpox? I never thought I'd hear this. I knew there was only two known stockpiles and last I heard was only the debate on do we destroy it or save it. I supported saving it just in case part of me wanted to destroy it when I first learned of it but if this is what they want to do now I say my first reaction was right we must destroy it!