Reblog 7
In recent classes we have been discussing the role of credibility and trust in science and scientists, as well as societies view on science as a whole. The article I chose discusses these exact issues with one of the largest, most well known governmental science Centers, the Center for Disease Control. A new study conducted by a committee of external experts on lab practices has released that they feel as though the CDC has not been consistently following proper lab and safety precautions while conducting their experiments. This is one of many new developments that have been coming out against the CDC, as you may recall they were in trouble for accidentally mixing a dangerous avian flu samples with H5N1 that they were planning to send to the USDA. Just a month later, employees in a bioterrorism lab working with anthrax were found to be at risk because of a failure to follow proper sterilization techniques. The head of the lab resigned after the incident. After each of these incidents the CDC did conduct internal investigations and decided that more cameras needed to be added to their facilities, but many wonder if that is enough. The latest external report is claiming that the CDC should go through an extensive external review and accreditation process, as well as focus more funds and efforts to lab safety training and standardized training. The fact that the CDC is being charged with these accusations is very important because they are considered one of the most reliable and legitimate source for science. This attack on their legitimacy calls into question all of the research they have conducted there, as well as other projects they funded. Unless they improve their lab practices, they are in serious danger of losing all credibility and trust with the public.
http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/4589/20150321/inconsistent-lab-practices-bring-cdc-credibility-question.htm
