Nov 10, 2017
Earlier this year, a couple of scientists in a laboratory did
something incredible. Using nothing but the genetic code and a
well-equipped lab, they raised the dead.
Specifically, the extinct horsepox virus was brought back to life.
The scientists said that they didn't do the experiment out of any
malice for horses, but just to demonstrate that - with a few good
biotech experts, a decent lab, and $100,000 - anyone would soon be
able to bring viruses back from the dead.
So what about when that virus is smallpox, capable of killing
millions, with the only surviving samples stored as bioweapons by
the US and the Russians? Could it be that the biotech revolution -
which has such power to save us from our ills and woes - might doom
us as well? And what happens when this power gets into the hands of
more and more people; the power over life and death?
As ever, you can follow us on Twitter @physicspod, where we're
amazingly active and will respond to any queries you have about the
end of the world and similar terrors. You can tell us what you
think of the ranking so far, make your own suggestions, and even
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