The cost of doing biological research is increasing for universities as they attempt to comply with a proliferation of security requirements and recommendations from government agencies, according to a new report.

Scientists working on the transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza strain have voluntarily agreed to halt research for 60 days to allow time for international discussion on its benefits and potential harms.

New York's aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center is preparing to be phased out by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, NBAF, currently being built in Manhattan, Kan.

For labs dealing with infectious substances, a biosecurity plan is just as important as a strong safety program.

Scientists doing dual use research - beneficial work that may be misapplied for malicious purposes in the wrong hands - need more tools to help them understand the scientific, ethical and legal issues surrounding their work, according to an AAAS-sponsored workshop report.