Colorized transmission electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses (seen in gold) grown in MDCK cells (seen in green).WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CDC
The process leading to the US biosecurity board recommending full publication of two controversial H5N1 flu papers has been criticized by a board member in a letter sent to the National Institutes of Health last week (April 12). Influenza epidemiologist Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, outlined his criticisms to Amy Patterson, associate director for science policy at the NIH, reported Nature.
The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) had previously recommended that the two controversial H5N1 papers, which detailed mutations that allow for ferret-to-ferret aerosol transmission, be published in redacted form, a recommendation that was rescinded at last month’s meeting. Osterholm himself voted for publication of one paper, but was concerned that modifications to the second paper did not ...
