Why do you need crazy research to modify the 1918 flu virus that killed 40 million people?
By
Yoshihiro Kawaoka is a virologist known as the creator of a new virus that modified the influenza 'Spanish flu ' virus that killed 40 million people in 1918. It has been revealed why it was necessary to create a virus that was so dangerous that it could not be countered by human immunity, even after being criticized by the world.
The 1918 Flu Killed 40 Million People. This Man Is Re-Creating the Virus. --Popular Mechanics
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/breakthroughs/the-man-who-could-destroy-the-world-breakthrough-awards-2014
The 1918 Flu Killed 40 Million People. This Man Is Re-Creating the Virus.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a12897/the-man-who-could-destroy-the-world-breakthrough-awards-2014/
◆ Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka is conducting influenza pandemic prevention research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The virus that Mr. Kawaoka deals with in his research is stored at -80 degrees Celsius in a freezer in a special room built in the laboratory. The walls of the special room are covered with 18 inches thick concrete and are always locked. The biosafety level of the institute is 'Level 3-ag', and when entering the room, it passes through the airlock used for the submarine. There are more than 500 alarms installed inside, and if an outsider tries to invade, you will be contacted by Campus Police 24 hours a day.
By David Martin Davies
All internal management staff and employees are subject to FBI background checks. When entering the laboratory, take off all outfits including underwear, then move to the waiting room outside the laboratory with special indoor shoes, then Tyvek coveralls, masks with air filters, disposable Tyvek gloves, separate You can finally enter the room by changing to the indoor shoes of. When leaving, after removing all the equipment worn, it is necessary to wash the holes called holes in the body with soap in a shower for 5 minutes, and these strict processes save the virus from leaking to the outside. It has been done.
◆ Research by Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Kawaoka's research on how to build a modified version of the Spanish flu virus has had a major impact on the establishment of the institute, with $ 12.5 million in 2008 to facilitate his research. It was established at a cost of 10,000 yen). Mr. Kawaoka is conducting research to alter the virus by spreading the infection between ferrets infected with the virus.
In addition to the Spanish flu virus modified species of 1918 to the refrigeration apparatus of the Institute, the new influenza (H1N1 subtype) that caused the pandemic in 2009 remodeling species, took the more than one million lives in 2009 pig The H5N1 virus, which contains the influenza gene, is also stored. These viruses contain powerful ones that can easily pass through human immunity.
◆ Research safety
Kawaoka's 2012 study of the H5N1 virus in Nature was controversial around the world for its detailed details on how to reconstruct the modified species. Furthermore, after Kawaoka's team announced the results of the Spanish flu virus research in June 2014, The Guardian titled ' Crazy and Dangerous Influenza Virus Creation ' and Gizmodo said ' A scientist kills all humankind.' Each publishes an article with the title ' Create a virus that can.' Simon Wayne-Hobson of the Pasteur Institute described it as 'a madness,' and scientists opposed to Kawaoka's work said, 'Manipulation of pathogens violates the principles of the Nuremberg Code. and Tokoro accident becomes a catastrophe if Okire ' claims such as, was criticized from all over the world. A threatening email may be sent to Mr. Kawaoka, but he said that he is dealing with it by forwarding it to the FBI.
Influenza virus is usually carried by waterfowl such as ducks, and when waterfowl carry the virus and defecate in lakes or the sea, it infects other species of animals such as pigs through the water's edge. Under unfortunate conditions, pigs may carry two types of viruses, H5N3 and H1N1, but then a new virus that can pass mammalian immunity may appear in the pig's body, which infects humans. The pandemic begins at.
By Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Mr. Kawaoka's research is to artificially generate the process of virus alteration, identify the stage of natural alteration of the virus, and take defensive measures in advance. Influenza virus is altered through water birds, chickens, pigs, horses, dogs, etc., but if influenza can be controlled, it will be possible to prevent huge losses in poultry farms, for example, before the pandemic. That is. Mr. Kawaoka is also a veterinarian.
Although influenza cannot be eradicated, studying gain-of-function alleles is 'one of the viable ways to deal with the influenza pandemic,' Kawaoka argues. The controversial modified virus has been shown to be treatable with Tamiflu, and is not dangerous enough to cause a 'catastrophe.' According to Kawaoka, 'It's more likely that you'll get the flu if you feed the ducks in the park than if you had an accident in a tightly controlled laboratory.'
Related Posts:
in Science, Posted by darkhorse_log