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| Science & Technology |
| New US Biocontainment Research Facility |
| 2008-11-16 |
| Infectious diseases strike suddenly and can change quickly, leaving scientists scrambling to develop effective treatments. Staying one step ahead of disease is the goal of the $18 million Regional Biocontainment Laboratory dedicated yesterday at the University of Missouri. There, scientists will study diseases including the plague, anthrax and "Q Fever" in a safe, contained environment. Experts say the research will be essential in battling the next generation of diseases. "WeÂ’re only a jet-plane ride away from our next epidemic, and weÂ’re actually in this race with microbes," said Samuel Stanley Jr., director of the center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Disease Research at Washington University. "They have this incredible ability to evolve, theyÂ’re changing all the time, and as they change they become resistant to the antibiotics. ... And at this point in time, IÂ’m not sure whoÂ’s winning the race, but it may not be us," Stanley said. The new laboratory, one of 13 facilities planned in the nation, was funded in large part by the National Institutes of Health to help scientists win the race. The MU lab will focus mainly on zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The labÂ’s Level 3 security status means all diseases studied there will be treatable with a known vaccine or treatment. But concern still exists about housing the potentially deadly diseases along East Campus Drive, close to a large student population. How can scientists be sure that what happens inside the lab stays inside? To answer that question, MU scientists took reporters and some of the 85 people who attended a ribbon-cutting on a tour of some of the 10,000 square feet of lab space. They stressed safety. * Doors to each laboratory require security keys, and scientists must pass through multiple secure sites to enter all labs. No clothing from the outside can be worn inside the labs. Disinfection occurs before scientists leave. * Hallways in the facility have negative air pressure. Even if exterior doors were to open, air would be drawn inward. * Air circulating inside the building is cleaned with highly efficient HEPA air filters. All liquid or exhaust from the building is purified by an autoclave, a device that heats and sterilizes it. * The lab structure has a backup battery to maintain a continuous flow of electricity in the event of a power outage. A backup generator also can provide power to the facility for as long as two weeks. * Researchers must undergo a federal background check. At least two people will work on research at a time to help ensure that no harmful pathogens are intentionally removed from the facility. Proponents say the new lab is one of the most secure research facilities in the country and will be a major recruiting tool to lure new faculty to MU. "The major risk that we focus on is protecting scientists," Kurilla said. "If we protect scientists from the work that theyÂ’re doing, then the risk to the public becomes nil." In the event of a national emergency caused by the outbreak of disease, the lab would be one of the facilities used to quickly combat the problem. "If we knew what was going to pop up next, we could easily prepare," said the labÂ’s director, George Stewart, who led the media tour. "The problem is the ultimate bioterrorist is Mother Nature, and she doesnÂ’t tell us whatÂ’s lurking and is going to appear next." These scientists grew up watching The Andromeda Strain. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #3 * Researchers must undergo a federal background check. For some odd reason, I seriously doubt this security measure enjoys the measure of public confidence it had prior to November 4th. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2008-11-16 20:02 |
| #2 new Plum Island novel for DeMille? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-11-16 18:48 |
| #1 Aaawww, I wanted to say it. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2008-11-16 18:14 |