Bush moves to tighten security around scientific research

In the wake of the anthrax attacks last October (BMJ 2001;323:942, 951), the Bush administration has been taking measures to improve secrecy about science research, in the hope of keeping biological weapons out of hostile hands.

The move has been criticised by some scientists who think that it will threaten scientific advance and the spread of important information.

Explaining the new policy, Tom Ridge, director of homeland security, said: “We're working hard for a set of guidelines so terrorists can't use …