One of the most devastating plagues of the 20th century was the Spanish flu. This widespread disease appeared in 1918, around the end of the Great War (WWI). It killed something like 30 million people before it finally was eradicated. Recent research into the science of epidemics has led researchers to create a disease only 3% different in DNA structure to the famed mass murderer. Is the continued study of this plague really that wise?
The main purpose of this near copy is for research into creating vaccines for such diseases and seeking ways to combat future epidemics. Having the vaccine to one of the most deadly diseases known could be useful planning for the unknown future. Also, studying a past epidemic could help in the event of another plague. Researchers inform us that any tests are performed with the highest security and containment procedures.
Suppose though, that these measures fail. Suppose that, through some human error, this disease were to escape that lab. Would the world be ready for such a plague, one known to have killed tens of millions? Or could it possibly recreate the devastation that began in 1918? Should we take that chance?\
Source:http://rt.com/news/165676-spanish-flu-virus-recreate/
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