Building the Perfect Bug. Virology, Rogue Science, and Bioterrorism

Description

Why did Dutch virologist Ron Fouchier and his team of researchers purposely engineer a lethal, airborne bird flu virus? That's the first of many questions raised in this timely, eye-opening investigation. Why did Fouchier, in an uncanny parallel with American scientists who conducted similar experiments, decide to publish his findings and openly share his working methods? Can the deadly microbes he produced be contained securely, or are they vulnerable to bioterrorists? Interviewed in the film, Fouchier and a respected American virologist, Dr. Vincent Racaniello of Columbia University, defend the controversial research while Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Laurie Garret and other experts highlight the tremendous risks it poses.

Runtime

26 min

Subjects

Genre

Date of Publication

[2012], c2012

Database

Films on Demand

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