BBC Inside Science Bioscience to bioweapons; Synthetic diamonds; Stem cell transplants
5 snips
Jul 11, 2013 AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dual Use Flu Research Risks
- Virologists can now order influenza genes online and create new viruses in the lab within a week.
- This technology aids understanding pandemics but also poses bioterrorism risks.
Call for Open Flu Research Debate
- Scientists must pause and openly discuss flu virus engineering risks and ethics before continuing research.
- Inclusive debates should involve bioethicists, lawyers, politicians, scientists, and educated laypeople.
Balance Risks vs Benefits in Flu Research
- Influenza research balances dangerous risks with benefits of understanding pandemics.
- While engineered viruses pose some threat, naturally emerging pandemics will continue and must be better understood.