Mutant Flu Researchers Declare a Time Out 224
New submitter scibri writes "Researchers working on highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza have said they will stop work on the virus for 60 days, to allow them to explain the importance of their work to politicians and the public. Quoting: 'Despite the positive public-health benefits these studies sought to provide, a perceived fear that the ferret-transmissible H5 HA viruses may escape from the laboratories has generated intense public debate in the media on the benefits and potential harm of this type of research. We would like to assure the public that these experiments have been conducted with appropriate regulatory oversight in secure containment facilities by highly trained and responsible personnel to minimize any risk of accidental release.'"
Reader Harperdog sends in a related article arguing that we shouldn't be having a debate about the censorship of research, but rather a debate over whether the research should have been allowed in the first place.
English is tricky (Score:5, Funny)
Are they researchers for the mutant flu or are they flu researchers that are mutants? Or did the mutant flu make them mutants?
Re:English is tricky (Score:5, Funny)
Are they researchers for the mutant flu or are they flu researchers that are mutants? Or did the mutant flu make them mutants?
Yes.
Re:English is tricky (Score:5, Funny)
No, the researchers are themselves a highly evolved mutation of the influenza virus.
60 days (Score:5, Funny)
and that should give us time to find that Damn ferret.
Re:English is tricky (Score:4, Funny)
The researchers CLAIM that they're not mutants. But, of course, a mutant isn't going to admit it. Better arrest and quarantine them just to be sure.
Re:Handwringers & luddites (Score:5, Funny)
In all fairness, Ugh really shouldn't be trusted with fire.
*Don't* RTFA! (Score:4, Funny)
No, the researchers are themselves a highly evolved mutation of the influenza virus.
Which mean that they can't produce offspring unless they infect you?
Whatever you do, don't click the link!
:-P
Re:English is tricky (Score:4, Funny)
but,
In Fluenza, mutant researchers infect You!