Current reports indicate that two groups of scientists were paid to genetically change a lethal virus into something more infectious. It has triggered fear, even rage, in a few quarters.

The American government that spent for the study was advised by Biosecurity officials to keep details confidential so as not to motivate terrorists from using them. According to the World Health Organization, the study, though vital, could still possess some deadly effects.

A few scientists disagreed with the study as they explained that the altered virus could sneak out of the lab and start out a deadly outbreak. Others argued that such a research is important to identifying the normal alteration in the flu virus that is deemed the most fatal. The believed that the experiment can help in developing vaccines and antiviral treatments.

One thing that made the group agree is the fact that the ability of the flu virus to transfer quickly from one person to another is the solution to finding out whether or not it can trigger a deadly disease.

There are still a lot of things that scientists aren't knowledgeable about the thing that makes a virus contagious. Also, there is much they need to figure out before they can have the power to stop another virus disease.

Infection depends on the intricate interaction between the flu virus and its victim. It takes into account where the virus enters the human body, the kind of cells suitable for its growth, and where it goes out to spread to another body.

The virus that was studied and made more infectious by the scientists was the A (H5N1) avian flu. Its original structure has infected about 600 individuals since it was discovered in 1997. It killed over 50% of the victims.

The experiment to generate a more contagious virus was performed by two groups of scientists. One conducted research at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, and the other held its operations at the University of Wisconsin.