scientists may open the Pandora's box if they are given the go-ahead to create a new form of the flu virus. This is the grim message of an article published recently in the acclaimed journal Science (Vol 305, No 5684, July 30, 2004). The article ponders over the repercussions of experiments soon to be undertaken to combine the genetic material of the fatal Asian bird flu virus with that of its equally lethal human counterpart.

The controversial research is being undertaken as scientists and public health workers worldwide are concerned that the bird flu virus could coalesce with its human form, creating an