Custom-Built Pathogens Raise Bioterror Fears

In 2002, German-born molecular geneticist Eckard Wimmer created the first live and fully functioning virus in a lab. Built from scratch, this virus was a variation of one that causes polio. Wimmer points out that he didn’t invent the technology that made his experiment possible, but only drew attention to equipment that’s available at any well-funded university. Al Qaeda has sought biological weapons and recruited scientists, especially microbiologists. Government oversight on manufactured viruses is sporadic, with most experts anticipating that terrorists will resort to easier methods of terror. For now, US researchers can only hope that research for humanitarian purposes outpaces the research designed for death and destruction. – YaleGlobal