Researchers not able to find source of anthrax found in 2001 attacks

Researchers and investigators are nevertheless baffled as to where the anthrax used in the 2001 anthrax attacks came from. The strain used in the assaults was similar to the strain the prime suspect, Bruce Ivins, worked with on a daily basis in a laboratory. Unfortunately, Ivins is not around to prove his innocence. He committed suicide while he was being investigated. Individuals have taken out huge sums of money in pay day loans to finance finding where this strand was created with no luck. Article source – Scientists unable to find source of anthrax used in 2001 attacks by MoneyBlogNewz.

National Academy of Sciences contradicts FBI anthrax findings

The NAS has questioned the investigation of the 2001 anthrax assaults in a report even though the investigation is over, USA Today reports. There were some disparities found between the FBI and review panel when the National Research Council did its own review of the FBI investigation. In the first investigation, some genetic similarities were found between the spores of anthrax used in the attacks and those at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Disease in a flask belonging to Dr. Bruce Ivins, a microbiologist who worked for the Army. The NAS reported that there were definite similarities. However, there was not enough evidence to suggest they were the very same as what Dr. Ivins had.

Nevertheless haven't proved Ivins innocence

Whether or not Dr. Ivins was at fault was not discussed in the NAS that was all about science, the New York Times explained. It was decided by the NAS though that there all similarities were "consistent with and supports" the idea of a relationship between the strains. However, the panel took the FBI to task for failing to use newer and more accurate methods to identify the strain of anthrax. In 2008, Dr. Bruce Ivins committed suicide. The FBI then shut the case down.

Attack with anthrax nevertheless unknown

The 2011 investigation in anthrax led to better tracing of infectious agents. This is the science of microbial forensics. The scientific techniques the FBI used were applauded in the report though, the WA Post report. The anthrax assaults of 2001 killed five individuals and sickened 17 with Bacillus Anthraces spores, which causes the dangerous and often fatal disease anthrax.

Citations

USA Today

usatoday.com/tech/science/2011-02-15-anthrax_N.htm

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/16/us/16anthrax.html

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021502251.html?hpid=topnews