stream of little blue balls are attacking healthy pink cells. A Swedish newspaper published on Nov. 6 high-definition photos of H5N1 bird flu virus. It is the first time for such photos to be seen by the public. The photos are taken by science and technology photographer Lennart Nilsson with high-power scanning electron microscope.
In response to the aggravating threat of the highly infectious avian flu, the CAS Institut Pasteur of Shanghai is taking actions by initiating joint research projects in the fight against the menacing epidemic.
At a meeting of its principal investigators, an
ad hoc team composing of six research groups was set up, short- and long-term plans were also drafted to handle the imminent events of the pestilence's possible outbreaks.
The institute has decided to give priorities to the development of a system for fast diagnostics of the viral pathogen and a new recombinant vaccine based on HA protein against the pest.
In the near future, the institute plans to set up a system of analytical appraisal and an animal model as feasible approaches for a deepened exploration of the pathological mechanism. At present, the team has started preparing the initial work for their systematic research and a certain progress has been accomplished.
The Shanghai-based institute is noted for its strong and advanced disciplinary buildup as its own research distinctions in the fields of virology, immunology and vaccine development. In the same time, it takes full advantage of international R&D resources available and conducts multi-lateral cooperation with bio-medical research bodies both inside and outside of the CAS in a bid to make more contributions to the diagnostics, prevention and treatment of the lethal epidemic of avian flu.
