New virus variants can delete mankind

Dutch scientists have just created a variant of the avian influenza virus with a strong virulence, which could cause millions to die at the same time.

The study triggered a fierce debate and split among researchers. Some people believe that they should not have done such a study.

The H5N1 strain now causes 500 deaths, and not enough virulence to cause a pandemic. But it is feared that the mutated virus could be used in biological warfare if it falls into the wrong hands.

The newly created strain can kill millions of people at the same time.

Scientist Ron Fouchier of Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands led the research team that discovered five gene mutations of bird flu virus that make it more likely to spread faster.

He conducted experiments on ferrets because animals have long been used to test influenza viruses, and they have respiratory systems similar to humans.

Fouchier mentally prepared to be attacked by the press, so he hired an advisor to devise a communication strategy. At first, the study was done just to better understand H5N1.

Fouchier admits that the virus he created is 'one of the most dangerous viruses that humans can create', and still wants to publish a report describing the process of creating the virus.

The study sparked a fierce debate between the issue of freedom of scientific research and research control. Scientific research may help public health, but can also be used for bioterrorism.

Another study on the H5N1 virus conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin and Tokyo University also yielded similar results.

Both reports are being reviewed by the US National Science Council for Biosafety (NSABB).