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University of Minnesota seeks grant extension for food and bioterror efforts
National Center for Food Protection and Defense nears the end of a three year grant; center a leader in the field with innovative approaches in sensor and analytic technology, data management, and predictive software
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Court delays opening of California bioterrorism defense lab, citing safety concerns
They say about some do-gooders that they love humanity — it is people they don’t like; the same with biodefense labs: Communities love the idea of more jobs, more money, and more development which these biodefense labs bring, they just don’t like the associated safety risks; in the latest case, a court puts on hold the construction of a lab at Lawrence Livermore
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E. coli outbreak renews skirmishes along old war front
The recent E. coli outbreak renewed the fighting between supporters of the chemical fertilizer industry and advocates of organic farming; the former point to the outbreak as proof of the dangers inherent in relying on manure as fertilizer; the latter said that if manure is the culprit, then it is because of the rapid growth of animal feedlots which generate huge quantities of tainted manure — and that tainted manure is the result of feeding feedlot cattle grain, instead of their natural food — pasture grass; the digestive system and acid balance of ruminants evolved over thousands of years to break down grass, not high-production, refined rations; organic livestock, raised on pasture, have a healthy digestive system which kills the E. coli 0157 pathogen
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Livermore Lab develops new pathogen detection system; seeks partners to commercialize
Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory develop an autonomous pathogen detection system which boasts many advantages over existing products; the lab is now seeking industrial partners to commercialize the invention
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Universal flu vaccination could spur anti-bird flu efforts
Studies find flu vaccines are not as effective as once believed; no effect on death rates among elderly; universal vaccination closes the gap by stopping transmission from the young; building up laboratory infrastructure now could pay dividends in the future
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Tularemia detected in St. Louis
DHS’s BioWatch sensors identified the rabbit fever near Busch Stadium; officials discount terrorism; tulermia common in Missouri in the summer and fall; though outbreak was benign, BioWatch proves its mettle
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SIGA Technologies announces small pox drug breakthrough
Not a vaccine, the company’s once a day, orally administered treatment succesfully stops a smallpox infection after exposure; an excited NIH provides $16.5 million for further development
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The Volunteers launch center to train farmers and food producers to guard against terrorism
As the fear of agroterrorism grows, DHS and other U.S. government agencies fund a University of Tennessee center to educate farmers and communities on how to prepare for and cope with terrorism against the U.S. food supply
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New record-keeping requirements coming for beef product users
Starting 9 January 2007, food processors and cosmetic manufacturers will have to document that they do not use prohibited beef products such as the small intestine, brain, and spinal cord; new rules a response to mad cow fears; specific documentation practices to be announced soon
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Canada reports botulism cases connected to carrot juice
Food Inspection Agency joins FDA in warning against Bugs Bunny’s favorite drink; a sad story, but an opportunity to take a second look at two companies trying to help stop outbreaks; focus on anthrax makes botulism poisoning a low priority for federal planners
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USDA researchers develop nee methods for detecting listeria
USDA scientists develop a new method to detect L. monocytogenes infection; it is a good thing, too, as the disease kills about 500 people and disables 2,500 every year in the U.S. alone
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New biosecurity encyclopedia available
Irish research group offers a comprehensive encyclopedia with valuable information about all aspects of bioterrorism and biodefense; you may want to keep it on your desk
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Purdue researchers attack food contamination with lasers and gas
University quickly establishes itself as a go-to center for homeland security technology; Bacteria Rapid Detection Using Optical Scattering Technology can identify bacteria by its scatter pattern; investors show early interest in a chlorine gas approach to produce contamination
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Blood transfusions may serve as stop-gap during flu epidemics
Therapy from the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak is reconsidered as health officials worry about vaccine supplies; recovering patients could transfer antibodies to the sick; studies will continue to test applicability to avian flu
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Public health scientists lobby to put children at the head of innoculation line
Officials have long struggled with whether to give vaccines first to the elderly or to infants; new study finds the best way to break chains of transmission is to focus on school-aged children instead
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