Medical Ethics and Non-Lethal Weapons
by Jonathan D. Moreno

Bioterrorism And Disaster Preparedness
Aug 14 (Science Daily) According to a study in a special issue of Medical Decision Making, a large-scale, covert anthrax attack on a large city would overwhelm hospital resources even with an extremely effective public health response, primarily because of expected delays in detecting the attack and initiating a response to it.

Anthrax Therapy Protects Monkeys in Doses Found Safe for Humans
Jul 09 (Bloomberg) An experimental anthrax treatment from Human Genome Sciences Inc. increased survival in animals infected with the deadly disease, a U.S.-funded study said. The drug, a human monoclonal antibody called raxibacumab, improved survival rates for monkeys by 64 percent, researchers said in an article published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Nine of 14 monkeys given the drug were still alive 28 days after exposure to inhaled anthrax, while all 12 monkeys who received a placebo died, researchers said.

Thousands of Uncounted Disease Samples Found at Army Biodefense Lab
Jun 19 (Global Security Newswire) A recently completed inventory at a major U.S. Army biodefense facility found nearly 10,000 more vials of potentially lethal pathogens than were known to be stored at the site (see GSN, April 23). The 9,220 samples -- which included the bacterial agents that cause plague, anthrax and tularemia; Venezuelan, Eastern and Western equine encephalitis viruses; Rift valley fever virus; Junin virus; Ebola virus; and botulinum neurotoxins -- were found during a four-month inventory at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Md., according to Col. Mark Kortepeter, the center's deputy commander.

Beware the DIY Biohacker
Jun 15 (AsiaOne)

SCIENTIFICALLY inclined youngsters are setting up do-it-yourself biology laboratories at home. Likened to self-trained computer hackers, these enthusiasts - self-styled biohackers - browse online catalogues of DNA parts and order them from small commercial labs. With self-modified household items and used equipment acquired online, they try to tweak bacteria or synthesise novel organisms in their free time. I recently met a fresh graduate from a US university who, on returning home, wanted to find just such an interest group here. But first, he had to ask his supplier in the United States if it would ship some oligomers (DNA parts) to him.

9/11 Health Bill Opposed by NY Mayor is Shelved
Sep 28 (Newsday) Congress has shelved a $10.9 billion bill to provide health care for ground zero workers, partly due to opposition from New York City officials.

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