Thursday, February 17, 2011

Scientists not able to pinpoint source of anthrax in 2001 assaults

The source of the anthrax found in the 2001 anthrax assaults is nevertheless a puzzle to researchers and investigators. The strain found in the assaults was similar to the strain the prime suspect, Bruce Ivins, worked with on a daily basis in a laboratory. Ivins killed himself before charges could possibly be made, so nobody will ever know if he was the culprit. Individuals have taken out huge sums of money in payday loans to finance finding where this strand was created with no luck. Source of article – Scientists unable to find source of anthrax used in 2001 attacks by MoneyBlogNewz.

FBI findings contradicted with National Academy of Sciences

USA Today explains the 2011 anthrax attack investigation is totally over. Still, it has been questioned by a report released by the National Academy of Sciences. The FBI investigation was reviewed by the National Research Council. It was discovered that there were disparities between the review panel conclusion and the FBI. Dr. Bruce Ivins as a microbiologist for the Army had some anthrax in a flask for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institution for Infection Disease. These seemed to have similarities to the other anthrax spores. The National Academy of Sciences reported that there were definite similarities. However, there was not enough evidence to suggest they were the very same as what Dr. Ivins had.

Ivins guilty still

The New York Times explained that the National Academy of Sciences report was only about sciences. Whether or not Dr. Ivins was guilty was not discussed. The NAS did conclude the similarities were “consistent with and supports” the two strains being related. Since the FBI didn't use very good methods for identifying the anthrax, it was reprimanded though. The FBI closed the case after Dr. Bruce Ivins committed suicide in 2008.

Nevertheless unexplainable anthrax attack

The new science of microbial forensics or the tracing of infectious agents was started due to the 2001 anthrax investigation. The Washington Post explains that there were really great scientific techniques used by the FBI. These were applauded by the FBI. The anthrax assaults of 2001 killed five individuals and sickened 17 with Bacillus Anthraces spores, which causes the dangerous and often fatal disease anthrax.

Information from

USA Today

usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-02-15-anthrax_N.htm

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/16/us/16anthrax.html

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021502251.html?hpid=topnews



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