TWEAKING the anthrax toxin to render experimental drugs ineffective. Turning a harmless rodent virus into a deadly pathogen. Enhancing the potency of botulinum toxins – already the most lethal poisons known. Transferring genes that help viruses evade the human immune system from one pathogen to another.
These projects may sound like the clandestine activities of a hostile bioweapons programme. But in fact, all are in progress or being planned in US academic labs. They were identified by New Scientist in a database that documents research funded by the US Department of ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ and Human Services (DHHS). And while each project…
