The University of Ulster reports that one of its researchers has pioneered new DNA fingerprint techniques that could save thousands of lives in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
Dr Colm Lowery, from the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, has developed a revolutionary method of detecting the killer bugs that could be used to wipe out entire populations if terrorists strike.
Current methods of tracing potential bio-terrorist agents such as Cryptosporidium or Clostridium botulinum can take up to five days, Dr Lowery’s new DNA Finger Printing technique takes only 15 minutes, a vital time saving mechanism that would save countless numbers of lives in the event of biological warfare.
Dr Lowery’s work is so significant that he has been awarded a prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship and invited to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Atlanta, USA, to work alongside the world’s leading scientists in the fight against bioterrorism.
Please note that the Winston Churchill Fellowship Awards will be publicly announced sometime after March 14, 2003.
"Current scientific practices take several days to establish whether or not there has actually been an outbreak. These new cutting edge techniques will act as an early warning system for detecting these killer bugs in our water supplies. The method can equally be applied to routine monitoring of food and drinking water quality for the natural occurrence of these deadly pathogens," explained Dr Lowery.
He also added that "Because the DNA finger printing technology is so fast it will be invaluable in the event of a biological attack, allowing the quick detection of the source and type of agent that has been used. Subsequently, it will be easier to treat victims and prevent more outbreaks. The bottom line is that the introduction of these new technologies will help save lives."
For more information about DNA fingerprinting, check this National Science Foundation page.
Source: University of Ulster, March 10, 2003
11:34:44 AM
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