Army Shows Off Renovated Biodefense Lab In Md.
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The Army is showing off the latest technology in biological weapons defense research at Fort Detrick in Frederick.
Officials are leading a media tour Wednesday of a renovated Biosafety Level 4 laboratory at the U.S. Army Institute of
Infectious Diseases.
BSL-4 labs are reserved for work on the world's deadliest pathogens, such as the Ebola and smallpox viruses. They have
negative air pressure to keep germs from escaping. And the scientists wear protective outfits resembling space suits.
The tour is a rare opportunity for reporters to peek inside the lab. Spokeswoman Caree Vander Linden says that once it's been activated a few days from now, the suite will be sealed and the only view will be from hallway windows.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
