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Making it: zNose to star on
Way to go, zNose: A leading homeland security detection device stars in a TV show
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He should know
Leader of a Midwest research center predicts the government will invest more in protecting the nation’s food supply
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Illinois hospitals receive bioterror grants
DHS encourages hospitals to prepare themselves better for pandemics and bioterror attacks, and the department puts its money where its mouth is
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Of bears and men: Food supply attack may be costly, but not disastrous
Attacks on the U.S. food supply may cause much economic damage, but it is less clear how many people they will hurt because of the diversity of people’s diets
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Two new anthrax vaccines show promise
The bad news: Anthrax strains have begun to develop resistance to Bayer’s Cipro, the only anthrax vaccine in the market; the good news:Two new vaccines show promise
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Arkansas governor orders state to prepare for massive flu outbreak
State governor says he will not take any chances, ordering health authorities to offer detailed plans for flu outbreak
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More U.S. cities buy JMAR's BioSentry water-monitoring system
Safety of water supply does not rank high in cities’ security planning; this is a mistake, and more and more cities are sharing this conclusion
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Pentagon low-balled number of soldiers with anthrax vaccine side effects
Pentagon official told Congress that only about 100 soldiers suffered ill side effects from anthrax vaccine given to them between 1998 and 2000; the real number is 20,000
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Vermont to require farmers to register cattle
In what may be only the first of many such moves Vermont will begin to register cattle in order better to monitor the spread of disease
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Researchers show method to detect single viruses, nanoparticles in real time
Two innovative researchers develop a new method to detect the properties of the smallest of things — single viruses and nanoparticles
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AppliedBiosystems release avian flu detection kit
Medical giant releases initial version of avian flu detection kit; will be available to the public early next year
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Florida selects multi-threat detection system from MSA Detection Systems
Thirty Florida counties will have greater protection from hazardous materials using MSA’s Safesite Multi-Threat Detection System
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CDC selects ChoiceMakers AI-based solution for NEDSS
Developer of artificial intelligence-based database management tool selected for CDC project to track bioterror attacks and infectious diseases
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Trust for Americas Health receives Pew grant to study pandemic preparedness
Pew gives money to nonprofit monitoring states’ readiness to cope with natural and man-made biological disasters
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New, portable device capable of detecting pictogram-level traces of agents, explosives
The emphasis TSA has placed on airport explosives detection spurs scientific and technological innovation which promises better security
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The long view
Biotechnology advances offer opportunities for actors with malicious intent
Over the past decade, the biotechnology economy has experienced remarkable growth, resulting in the rapid expansion of biological knowledge and application. These advances create openings for actors with malicious intent to harness readily available tools and techniques to create biological threats or bioweapons.
Rise of European populism linked to vaccine hesitancy
There is a significant association between the rise of populism across Europe and the level of mistrust around vaccines, according to a new study. “It seems likely that scientific populism is driven by similar feelings to political populism, for example, a profound distrust of elites and experts by disenfranchised and marginalized parts of the population,” says the study’s lead author. “Even where programs objectively improve the health of targeted populations, they can be viewed with suspicion by communities that do not trust elites and experts.”
Russian trolls, bots spread false vaccine information on Twitter
A study found that Russian trolls and bots have been spreading false information about vaccination, in support of the anti-vaccination movement. The false information was generated by propaganda and disinformation specialists at the Kremlin-affiliated, St. Petersburg-based IRA. The Kremlin employed IRA to conduct a broad social media disinformation campaign to sow discord and deepen divisions in the United States, and help Donald Trump win the 2016 presidential election.
Explaining public resistance to vaccination
Low vaccine compliance is a public health issue that can cause the loss of “herd immunity” and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Low vaccine compliance is a public health issue that can cause the loss of “herd immunity” and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. In parts of Europe and North America, childhood diseases like measles, mumps and pertussis have returned as a result of insufficient vaccination coverage. Why is it so challenging to increase the number of people who get vaccinated? How does popular resistance to vaccination remain strong even as preventable diseases make a comeback?
“It's not all about autism”: Analyzing a Facebook-fueled anti-vaccination attack
Social media has given those espousing anti-vaccination sentiments an effective medium to spread their message. However, an analysis of a viral Facebook campaign against a Pittsburgh pediatric practice reveals that the movement isn’t “all about autism.” Instead, new research finds that anti-vaccination arguments center on four distinct themes that can appeal to diverse audiences.
California hospitals to pay billions for seismic safety upgrades
California hospitals would need to make substantial investments—between $34 billion and $143 billion statewide—to meet 2030 state seismic safety standards, according to a new report.