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Army facility that sent live anthrax was previously cited
The Army bioterror defense research facility that sent live anthrax to dozens of labs in recent years faced potential sanctions in 2007 for failing to properly kill specimens of the deadly bacteria - and ignoring test results that indicated their kill process wasn't effective, USA TODAY has learned. But no fine was ever issued against the Dugway Proving Ground, a major test site for the Army's chemical and biological defense programs. Ref. USAToday
If this can happen in what's supposed to be very controlled environment it makes you wonder what happens in other places where the guidelines and measures aren't as strict.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 71 7.1%
CDC investigation reveals why U.S. Army shipped 'live' anthrax around the world
The CDC's report, obtained by USA TODAY, says the radiation procedures used to kill anthrax spores at Dugway Proving Ground were not effective and that led to Dugway shipping live anthrax samples to dozens of U.S. Labs, and five foreign countries, over a 10-year period. Ref. USAToday
When things like this happen it gives you a glimpse into how irresponsible the authorities can be. Our lives are at risk by those who should be protecting it.
International Level: New Activist / Political Participation: 12 1.2%
Scientists decode how anthrax toxin proteins might help treat cancerous tumors
Scientists describe how combining engineered anthrax toxin proteins and existing chemotherapy drugs could potentially yield a therapy to reduce or eliminate cancerous tumors. The findings, they note, are based on testing in mice. Ref. Source 5e.
Anthrax: A hidden threat to wildlife in the tropics. Anthrax, a disease so far not associated with tropical rain forests, is common in the Ivory Coast's Taï National Park and is posing a serious threat to wildlife there. The bacterium could soon even cause the extinction of local chimpanzee populations. Source 8x.
Case of anthrax in wildlife in the Namib Desert: Infected zebra most likely causes death of three cheetahs. Anthrax is an infectious bacterial disease endemic in some parts of Africa. It affects people, livestock as well as wildlife. Using GPS telemetry data, a team of scientists reconstructed a special case of anthrax infection in Namibia: Three free-ranging cheetahs in the Namib Desert died within 24 hours after feeding on a mountain zebra that tested positive for the disease. The zebra is the first described case of a wild animal infected with anthrax in this arid region. The case also shows that there might be previously unknown risks to cheetah populations in the desert. Source 5r.