SARS

A transmission electron micrograph shows Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus particles (colorized yellow).

NIH Allows Restart Of MERS Research That Had Been Questioned

3:26pm December 18, 2014

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The National Institutes of Health has approved requests for waivers from a moratorium on experiments that aim to make the virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome more infectious in mice.

The coronavirus responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (green particles) seen on camel cells in a scanning electron micrograph.

Scientists Debate If It's OK To Make Viruses More Dangerous In The Lab

4:26pm December 17, 2014

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Researchers are struggling with how to balance the benefits and risks of genetic experiments that can give viruses new talents for causing infections.

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome virus particles cling to the surface of an infected cell.

How A Tilt Toward Safety Stopped A Scientist's Virus Research

4:27pm November 11, 2014

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The U.S. government has stopped some experiments with dangerous viruses, saying the risks need to be reconsidered. Key work in one scientist's lab has been halted.

Queue Listen Now

A man wears a protective mask as he carries a bouquet of flowers at Women's College Hospital in Toronto in March 2003, when SARS fears about were widespread.

Health & Safety

What A Brush With SARS Taught A Doctor About Ebola

12:45pm October 31, 2014

by John Henning Schumann

A young doctor put on a protective suit so he could examine a man who might be sick with SARS. It was hard to tell who was more frightened: the doctor or the patient.

A rogues gallery of the viruses (left to right) that cause MERS, SARS, and influenza.

Scientists Fight For Superbug Research As U.S. Pauses Funding

12:33pm October 24, 2014

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Frustrated scientists argued Wednesday that making nasty viruses even worse in the lab provides crucial insight into preventing pandemics. Others say it just ups the risk a lab germ will start one.

Queue Listen Now