News & Perspective

(CIDRAP News) – The first of two controversial H5N1 avian influenza studies to see print suggests that just four mutations in one of the virus's surface proteins may be enough to equip it to spread among mammals, but the findings are freighted with qualifiers.

(CIDRAP News) – A large-scale study suggests that antiviral treatment saved many lives during Mexico's 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic but also points to an irony: that the use of antivirals dropped sharply in the fall wave of cases.

(CIDRAP News) – The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) says in a new report that one of two controversial H5N1 avian flu studies needs some clarifications before publication and that some additional information the board heard from the lead author should not be included in the paper.

(CIDRAP News) – Armed with lessons learned during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, government leaders in North America and Europe this week launched new guidance aimed at boosting preparedness for the next influenza pandemic.

(CIDRAP News) – A new laboratory study supports the long-debated view that airborne viruses play a role in spreading influenza and that N95 respirators provide the best protection against airborne viruses, with surgical masks affording much less.

(CIDRAP News) – A federal advisory board's reversal on publishing two controversial H5N1 studies is poised to shift discussions on the topic that continue in London this week, as more participants in the debate weigh in following the Mar 30 announcement.

(CIDRAP News) – A US congressman has stepped into the debate over two controversial H5N1 transmission studies, asking President Obama's science office why a federal advisory board didn't consider dual-use issues until after the experiments were completed and what safeguards are in place.