Biological Weapon From Russia Has Been Decoded -- Research

An unidentified biological weapon that leaked from the lab in the Soviet Union back in 1979 killed more or less 66 people and a handful of animals. Recently, after analyzing the strain, the researchers have uncovered the biological weapon.

A research team led by the Northern Arizona University analyze the well-preserved spores of the bacteria found at the site. The scientists have identified the integrated genome of the leaked Bacillus anthracis. In the study that is published in the journal mBio, the experts said that it has used this information to point out the exact strain of anthrax, but it was not what they expect to find.

Previously, the intelligence agency claimed that the Soviets were developing a strain of anthrax that is vaccine-resistant to be used for biological attack. Yet, it shows that the strain that was released from the so-called Compound 19 matches the type of anthrax found in the wild. Also, it does not show any evidence of genetic manipulation, according to IFL Science.

According to the researchers, the strain is thought to have a "master cell stock" in which a supply of deadly anthrax can be taken away and shaped through experimentation. Now the experts are worried that there is a good chance that the strain is being investigated elsewhere in the world. However, this study has the possibility to track down the strain.

The team said that "All of this is highly suggestive of a weapons program that identified a suitable strain, maintained master cell stocks to avoid extensive passage, and per- formed minimal manipulations in order to maintain virulence," as quoted by Science Alert.

In the research paper, it has been noted that "This genomic identity can now be used for forensic tracking of this weapons material on a global scale and for future anthrax investigations."