NOVA Online | Bioterror (original) (raw)

| | Welcome to the companion Web site to "Bioterror,"originally broadcast on November 13, 2001. The film follows three New York Times reporters as they delve into the murky past of bioweapons research and grapple with the current threat of anthrax and other attacks. Here's what you'll find online: **History of Biowarfare**Agents of disease have been used as weapons of terror for centuries, long before scientists knew how germs spread illness. But where once plague-infested corpses were catapulted over castle walls, today genetically modified "superplague" could unleash global devastation. This illustrated feature reviews the past—and the unfolding—history of biowarfare and bioterrorism. **Future Germ Defenses**Can a super-vaccine of the future protect us from bioterrorism and a host of natural diseases? How is the U.S. government gearing up to meet the threats of "black biology?" In this excerpt from their best-selling book, Germs, New York Times reporters Judith Miller, Stephen Engelberg, and William Broad explore the possibilities. **Interviews with Biowarriors**Bill Patrick and Ken Alibek were scientists on opposite sides of the Cold War. But they shared a similar mission: create biological weapons. These biowarriors, as well as Soviet "superbug" researcher Sergei Popov, reveal chilling details of the past and their fears for the future. **Global Guide to Bioweapons**During the Cold War, the U.S. and many other nations produced deadly weapons-usable biological agents for potential deployment against their adversaries. Learn the facts about 20 nations around the globe where biological weapons were under production—and in some cases still are. **Making Vaccines (Hot Science)**The world's first vaccine, invented in 1796, used pustules from diseased cows to protect humans from smallpox. In this interactive feature, find out how six different types of vaccines are made today. Resources on Bioterror Ask the Expert: Read bioweapons expert Jonathan Tucker's answers to questions about bioterrorism sent in by NOVA Online readers. Frequently Asked Questions: a look at the risks and what you can do Agents of Bioterror: a guide to the diseases of biowarfare Links and Books: reliable sources of information Breaking News: from The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer Teacher's Guide To learn more about upcoming NOVA features, join our mailing list. History of Biowarfare | Future Germ Defenses Interviews with Biowarriors | Global Guide to Bioweapons | Making Vaccines Resources on Bioterror | Teacher's Guide | Transcript | Site Map NOVA Online | Search | Site Map | Previously Featured | Schedule | Feedback | Teachers | Shop Editor's Picks | Join Us/E-mail | About NOVA | Watch NOVAs online | To print | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------- | | | | NOVA Online is produced for PBS by the WGBH Science UnitMajor funding for NOVA is provided by the Park Foundation, The Northwestern Mutual Foundation, and Sprint. © | created November 2001 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |