This Is How The World Ends: Scientifically Engineered Avian Flu

This is how the world ends, its not a zombie outbreak, it isn't nuclear warfare, it starts with one curious scientist doing something he shouldn't... Linked in this post is an article with the whole story about how a virologist named Ron Fouchier decided to try and enhance an already dangerous contagion. His attempts made the virus go airborne and evolve to make it spread even faster.

For those of you not wanting to read the entire article, the brief version goes a little something like this:


In his Netherlands laboratory, virologist Ron Fouchier was experimenting with the avian flu virus to see how it could become even more virulent. (Red flag.) His research involved spreading it throughout a population of ferrets, and he noticed that as the virus reproduced, it adapted to spread even faster. (RED FLAG.) Not worried about ferret flu? Previous research has shown that any strains of influenza that can pass between ferrets can also pass between humans. (RED FLAAAAAAAAAG.) Ten generations later, his efforts had created an airborne strain with the power could kill half the human population. (RED FUCKING FLAG, DUDE!)

- Gizmodo

The main issue with his findings isn't even with the research itself (even though it is an issue) its the fact that if he publishes his findings (which he wants to do) the development of this virus will become public knowledge. He claims it will help other scientists to find a cure and better understand the virus but in the wrong hands biochemical terrorists could devastate the worlds population...

So you tell me which one you would rather have happen?

This story is so perfect it should have three different movie deals by the end of the week...

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5863078/engineered-avian-flu-could-kill-half-the-worlds-humans