Scientists post genetic sequence of deadly Spanish flu virus online

Now that researchers have revived the deadly 1918 flu virus, some in the field are cautioning that the decision to post the genetic sequence of the virus online could allow rogue scientists to make a devastating biological weapon. Scientists injected the virus--obtained from stored tissue samples of flu victims and the body of a woman interred in frozen ground--into mice. All the mice died within two days after quickly shedding weight; and scientists have kept a supply of the virus for research purposes, also raising fears in some circles that it could accidentally escape the laboratory. Scientists involved in the posting, though, said they carefully evaluated the risks and concluded that the advantages of advancing research on the virus were much greater.

- read this report from The Guardian for more