The latest research conducted by a team led by Dr. Chen Hualan of Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (HVRI-CAAS) revealed that the H5N1 influenza virus could acquire the ability of efficient aerosol transmission by reassorting with the 2009 H1N1 human influenza virus, which would potentially lead to a new influenza pandemic in humans. This study indicated that the H5N1 virus has posed a realistic threat for the global public health. The research findings were published online on May 3rd, 2013 in the Science magazine.

Science magazine allotted a pick comment and special report for this study in the same issue, and the Nature magazine also commented this study in a report.


For more information:
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2013/05/01/science.1229455.abstract
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2013/05/gene-swap-helps-bird-flu-spread-.html
http://www.nature.com/news/scientists-create-hybrid-flu-that-can-go-airborne-1.12925