Research to resume on deadly artificial strain of H5N1 virus

Controversial experiments, using an artificial but deadly strain of bird flu, to return after scientists agree to follow strict new biosecurity guidelines Experiments with a deadly, artificially mutated version of the bird flu virus are set to resume in a few weeks, ending a year-long suspension in research prompted by a global outcry over the risks. Two groups of scientists in the Netherlands and the US altered the H5N1 virus to make it easily transmissible among mammals. Some scientists warned that a deadly pandemic could break out if the mutant virus escaped accidentally or if terrorists stole it or made it themselves, using articles in scientific journals. The outcry led scientists conducting the experiments to declare a voluntary moratorium a year ago, in part to let research institutes and governments decide what safety rules to require. Now, flu researchers say, the moratorium should end because most countries have rules in place. A letter from...