In episode 57 of MicrobeWorld Video, filmed at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Meeting in Vancouver, BC Canada on February 18, 2012, Dr. Stan Maloy talks with Ron Atlas Ph.D., Chair of ASM's Biodefense Committee and Professor of Biology, University of Louisville.

Stan and Ron discuss the recent recommendation by the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) to withhold some of the key data regarding transmissibility from recent research on the H5N1 virus.

Ron explains how the NSABB was created and the role they play together with the American Society for Microbiology in attempting to establish a set of guidelines used to safeguard the scientific knowledge base from being misused.

Ron discusses the need for this research to emerge from it's current moratorium and continue in order to remain a step ahead of the virus in an attempt to be alerted to possible future pandemics.