Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


0

Ivins Borrowed Anthrax-Drying Machine

Device was made to render spore powder from culture samples

Share

(Newser) – The government’s lead suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks, Bruce Ivins, borrowed a device from his Army bioweapons lab designed to turn germ cultures into dry powder, the Washington Post reports. The machine, known as a lyopholizer, was not commonly borrowed, and had to have been formally checked out—leaving a paper trail now being pursued by investigators.

Scientists at Ivins’ former labs say the device could have processed a few small batches of anthrax in less than a single day. A former colleague of Ivins’ notes that Ivins was part of at least one military project that would have given him legitimate reason to utilize the drying machine.

Investigators claim anthrax suspect Bruce Ivins had access to a device used to render powder from wet germ cultures.
Investigators claim anthrax suspect Bruce Ivins had access to a device used to render powder from wet germ cultures.   (AP Photo/Steve Miller, File)
Bruce E. Ivins, a biodefense researcher is seen in 2003, at Fort Detrick, Md.
Bruce E. Ivins, a biodefense researcher is seen in 2003, at Fort Detrick, Md.   (AP Photo/Frederick News Post, Sam Yu)
This 2003 photo provided by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases shows Dr. Bruce E. Ivins, a bio-defense researcher at Fort Detrick, Md., participating in an awards ceremony.
This 2003 photo provided by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases shows Dr. Bruce E. Ivins, a bio-defense researcher at Fort Detrick, Md., participating in an awards ceremony.   (AP Photo/U.S.Army)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
0 comments
VIEWING:
 
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

38 Stories

 Suspicious Powder 
 Sent to 3 NY Consulates 

Hazmat teams clear French, Austrian, Uzbek missions

Nov 10, 09 3:37 AM CST
(Newser) - The FBI is seeking a suspect with an apparent grudge against the French, Austrians, and Uzbeks after envelopes containing a suspicious white powder arrived at the three nations' New York diplomatic missions yesterday. Hazardous material units were sent to the consulates and decontaminated dozens of employees. No traces of anthrax... More »

MORE ABOUT:
FBI • New York City • anthrax • al-Qaeda

(Newser) - US counterterrorism officials are worried that al-Qaeda may mount a biological attack from Mexico and could even seek to collaborate with domestic terrorists, the Washington Times reports. The fears are bolstered by a February video from Kuwait al-Qaeda recruiter Abdullah al-Nafisi. In the video, Nafisi boasted that anthrax “... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Mexico • Hezbollah • homeland security • Mexican border • anthrax • al-Qaeda • terrorist attack • bioterrorism • Abdullah al-Nafisi

ANALYSIS

 Line by Line: Some 
 Obama Budget Cuts 


May 7, 09 2:30 PM CDT
(Newser) - President Obama said today proposed budget cuts are “not a criticism of” federal workers. Still, they take a toll, from defense to education. The Washington Post takes a look at what’s being trimmed:
  • Anthrax vaccine research: The administration says the goals of the program have been
... More »

MORE ABOUT:
education • Pentagon • budget cuts • anthrax • Yucca Mountain • defense • federal budget • Obama administration • defense contractors • President Obama • F-22 fighter jet • cotton • federal programs • Even Start

38 Stories


Vehement criticism of accusations against Ivins
Wall Street Journal Subscription


Crime & Courts  •  Science & Health  •  US 
TwitterFollow @NewserCrime on Twitter

 
anthrax • Bruce Ivins • bioterrorism

from our news partners