biodefense

More American research labs are working with dangerous toxins such as Ebola, smallpox and avian flu in an effort to boost the nation's biodefense, but oversight is fragmented "and, for the most part, relies on self-policing," investigators said Thursday. That lack of accountability may make Americans less, rather than more, secure, six years after a mysterious plot involving anthrax sickened 22 people and killed five, testified Keith Rhodes, chief technologist for the Governmental Accountability Office.