Toxins and the fear of their misuse – especially since Sept. 11 – has changed life in the laboratory for many scientists.
Passed in 2002, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act requires scientists doing research on any of a number of bacteria, viruses and toxins meet a variety of strict security measures, as well as have employees pass a federal background check. While some researchers say that the regulations are appropriate and reasonable, considering the potential for terrorism, others complain that the requirements impede their work on important issues.
“The constraints are reducing research effectiveness,” says Caitilyn Allen, a professor of plant pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.