"Scientists can defeat viruses. Before AIDS, the great killer was smallpox—until a scientist called Edward Jenner invented vaccination in 1796. Now smallpox has disappeared from human society. Similarly, polio has been eliminated in large areas of our world. In time, we will defeat influenza, and AIDS, and even cancer—and it will be done by scientists like us, working in laboratories such as this."A woman put up a hand and called out. "What are you working on here—exactly?"Toni said, "Would you mind identifying yourself?""Edie McAllan, science correspondent, Scotland on air max 247Sunday."Cynthia Creighton, sitting on the other side of Stanley, made a note.Stanley said, "We have developed an antiviral drug. That's rare. There are plenty of antibiotic drugs, which kill bacteria, but few that attack viruses."A man said, "What's the difference?" He added, "Clive Brown, Daily Record."It was another scientific question. Toni began to believe that this press conference would do all that she and Stanley hoped. She quelled her optimism with an effort.She knew, from her experience as a police press officer, that a journalist could ask serious and intelligent questions then go back to the office and write inflammatory garbage. Even if the writer turned in a sensible piece, it might be rewritten by someone ignorant and irresponsible.They laughed at this, and even Brown smiled."Two, the rabbit was smuggled out of the laboratory in a bag, and we have today instituted a compulsory bag search at the entrance to BSL4, to make sure air max 2011this cannot happen again. Three, I didn't say we had perfect security. I said we set the highest possible standards. That's all human beings can do.""So you're admitting your laboratory is a danger to innocent members of the Scottish public.""What if the rabbit had got loose?"Stanley looked out of the window. A light snow was falling. "It would have frozen to death.""Suppose it had been eaten by another animal. Could a fox have become infected?""No. Viruses are adapted to a small number of species, usually one, sometimes two or three. This one does not infect foxes, or any other form of Scottish wildlife, as far as we know. Just humans, macaque monkeys, and certain types of rabbit.""But Michael could have given the virus to other people."As Miranda cradled air max 90the handset, her father came in. He wore the waistcoat and trousers of his suit, but he had rolled the cuffs of his shirt. He shook hands with Ned and kissed Miranda and the children. He was looking very trim, Miranda thought. "Are you losing weight?" she asked."I've been playing squash. Who was on the phone?""That was Kit. He's coming, after all." She watched her father's face, anxious to see his reaction."I'll believe it when I see him."