A DNA Success Raises Bioterror Concern -NYT

[Rose Siding]

Researchers have made an unexpectedly sudden advance in synthesizing long molecules of DNA, bringing them closer to the goal of redesigning genes and programming cells to make pharmaceuticals.

But the success also puts within reach the manufacture of small genomes, such as those of viruses and perhaps certain bacteria. Some biologists fear that the technique might be used to make the genome of the smallpox virus, one of the few pathogens that cannot easily be collected from the wild.
...
"This has the potential for a revolutionary impact in the ease of synthesis of large DNA molecules," said Dr. Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University with an interest in bioterrorism.

"This will permit efficient and rapid synthesis of any select agent virus genome in very short order," he added, referring to the list of dangerous pathogens and toxins that possessors are required to register with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Ebright said any facility possessing the new DNA synthesis equipment should be assumed capable of making any virus on the select agent list.

http://nytimes.com/2005/01/12/national/nationalspecial3/12gene.html

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Help I am getting more and more cynical

Reason for cynicism number #1:

Judith Miller and her "GERMS" book combined with the fact that she KNOWINGLY published and spread propaganda.

Reason for cynicism #2:

The genome given over to the "free market."

[The Doctor.]

2. yes, it is our destiny to hold the fate of the human race...

- our destiny, in our very hands.

Check this if you have 15 minutes;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=2930948&mesg_id=2930990

[nashville_brook]

3. funny how many of the dead microbiology researchers were doing anti-viral

research. only the good die young.

http://www.copvcia.com/free/ww3/02_14_02_microbio.html

(edited for link)