UIC Scientists Working To Fight Bioterror Threat
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology are working towards fighting anthrax and other bioterrorism agents.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, their project comes thanks to a substantial grant from the federal government.
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The $14 million dollar comes from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Scientists will apply that funding towards developing antibiotics to fight anthrax, plague and tularemia – all agents as federal officials fear terrorists will wage biological warfare.
The lead researcher, professor emeritus Michael Johnson believes the bacteria poses a national security risk and says new antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria strains are strongly needed.
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