Letter: Plague of plagues

From Larry Stoter

I read the item on the search for lethal DNA sequences with increasing puzzlement (6 January, p 12). What possible justification could there be for engaging in research with such horrendous potential?

Splice a DNA sequence lethal to humans into a common virulent virus or bacterium and you have the plague to end all plagues. Has researcher Greg Hampikian not considered where his research could lead? While I am sure he does not intend to develop a bioweapon, I am less confident about the US Department of Defense, which you report is funding the research.

The editor writes:

• Hampikian has considered this. He says the US government needs to understand what these sequences are in order to develop drugs against them should they ever fall into terrorists’ hands.

Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK