October 18, 2013

Gain-of-function research: unproven technique.
Mahmoud A.
Science. 2013 Oct 18;342(6156):310-1. doi: 10.1126/science.342.6156.310-b.

Gain-of-function research: unknown risks.
Rey F, Schwartz O, Wain-Hobson S.
Science. 2013 Oct 18;342(6156):311. doi: 10.1126/science.342.6156.311-a.

Both comment on a H7N9 influenza virus research manifesto that was simultaneously published in both Science and Nature.

Mahmoud says simply that there is nothing in influenza virus gain of function research that will help vaccine makes. This comes form a former President of Merck Vaccines (1999-2005). He is currently Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Rey et al., point out that the H7N9 research manifesto is standard virology and that GOF research is not an axiomatic part of virology.

October 11, 2013

Dual use research. Dutch H5N1 ruling raises new questions
Enserink M
Science. 2013 Oct 11;342(6155):178. doi: 10.1126/science.342.6155.178. 

A good discussion of the impact of EU export controls as they pertain to dual use research.