Security Rules Leave Labs Wanting More Guidance

摘要

Scientists criticize flaws in the U.S. government's plan to oversee research on material that could be used as bioweapons. The U.S. government's effort to regulate bioterror research appears to be off to a rocky start. Key elements of the sweeping new security rules are vague, confusing, and possibly counterproductive, say scientists and university administrators in comments filed by last week's deadline. Research leaders are also frustrated that the government has yet to explain how it will conduct mandatory background checks, due to begin next month. The rules "require a large number of activities in a short period," notes the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), one of 100 groups, institutions, and scientists that have offered suggestions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ASM warns that the process of complying may result in "delaying and possibly discouraging research." Federal officials have promised to finalize the procedures in time for laboratories to meet a November deadline.