Thursday, February 16, 2006
Biolab Opponents Still Kicking
BU's biolab may have received final federal government approval, at construction may be starting in a few weeks, but that isn't about to stop the projects opponents in City Council.
Yesterday Councilor Chuck Turner--who represents those of us who live on Columbus Avenue--introduced legislation that would prohibit bio-level 4 research in Boston. Councilor Turner said that a panel of scientists has come to an agreement that BU's claim that their lab will not conduct certain types of DNA research using the chemicals cannot be true. The panel says that it would make no sense to attempt bio-level 4 research without the DNA.
New at-large councilor Sam Yoon added that the combination of the dangerous chemicals and the experimental DNA adds a new level of danger to the bio-lab, because the research will be unprecedented. And while we are all in favor of unprecedented research in all areas, in this case many believe that the research BU conducts will not be groundbreaking, but is merely happening because of the Bush administrations obsession with terrorism.
A hearing on the issue will be held in the coming weeks or months, keep your internet tuned right here for the details.
On a side note, Councilors Turner and Yoon, as well as Councilors Yancey and Arroyo are the four members of Boston City Councils' "Team Unity," the liberal wing of Council which will hopefully come to NU for an event organized by the NU Dems later in the Spring.
Yesterday Councilor Chuck Turner--who represents those of us who live on Columbus Avenue--introduced legislation that would prohibit bio-level 4 research in Boston. Councilor Turner said that a panel of scientists has come to an agreement that BU's claim that their lab will not conduct certain types of DNA research using the chemicals cannot be true. The panel says that it would make no sense to attempt bio-level 4 research without the DNA.
New at-large councilor Sam Yoon added that the combination of the dangerous chemicals and the experimental DNA adds a new level of danger to the bio-lab, because the research will be unprecedented. And while we are all in favor of unprecedented research in all areas, in this case many believe that the research BU conducts will not be groundbreaking, but is merely happening because of the Bush administrations obsession with terrorism.
A hearing on the issue will be held in the coming weeks or months, keep your internet tuned right here for the details.
On a side note, Councilors Turner and Yoon, as well as Councilors Yancey and Arroyo are the four members of Boston City Councils' "Team Unity," the liberal wing of Council which will hopefully come to NU for an event organized by the NU Dems later in the Spring.
