U.S. Asks Researchers Not to Publish Bioterror Paper

The U.S. Health and Human Services Department has asked a Stanford University professor and graduate student not to publish a paper that contains information on contaminating milk with botulism, United Press International reported last week (see GSN, Feb. 28)

The paper, authored by professor Lawrence Wein and graduate student Yifan Liu, was posted briefly on the National Academy of Sciences’ Web site late last month. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary Stewart Simonson asked that the paper not be published, according to CNN.

Simonson, in a letter to the National Academy, said the paper “is a road map for terrorists and publication is not in the interests of the United States.” The paper contains “very detailed information on vulnerability nodes” in the milk supply and “includes … very precise information on the dosage of botulism toxin needed to contaminate the milk supply to kill or injure large numbers of people.”

The National Academy of Sciences, a nonprofit organization of scientists, advises government on science and technology issues (United Press International/Washington Times, June 7). 

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.