Bird-flu experiments

Controversial bird-flu experiments to resume The US government has given the green light for controversial avian-influenza-virus experiments to resume after four years on hold. ‘Gain of function’ experiments modify the H5N1 virus so that it can spread between ferrets, allowing researchers to study the pathogen more closely. Critics say that boosting the virus’s ability to infect mammals raises the risk of misuse or accidental release. “We know that it does carry risks. We also believe it is important work to protect human health,” says virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka. Science | 6 min read Read more: Kawaoka argues the case for his research in Nature (from 2012)