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Robert Petersen

@petersen2023.bsky.social
19 followers 8 following 343 posts

Historian, Special Advisor in biosecurity

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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Article about Al Qaeda and its quest for WMD, including BW - from the 1990s until today. bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.gwu.ed...
bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Are countries making bioweapons? ‘Bioaudits’ could help find out thebulletin.org/2026/09/are-...
thebulletin.org
Are countries making bioweapons? ‘Bioaudits’ could help find out
Countries could soon begin shaping the contours of a verification system for the global treaty banning bioweapons–something the Biological Weapons Convention, which entered into force in 1975, still l...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The FBI charged 21-year-old Jonathan Hunter Kramer with terrorism- and firearm-related offenses after he allegedly supported ISIS and discussed attacks on non-Muslims. Investigators say he considered poisoning food at synagogues. www.timesofisrael.com/isis-support...
timesofisrael.com
ISIS supporter in Pennsylvania sought to poison synagogue food — FBI
Jonathan Kramer attempted to synthesize poisons to 'wage war' against non-Muslims, posted Hamas propaganda online
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
www.sipri.org/commentary/t...
sipri.org
Combating new bioweapon risks: A Q&A with Dr Miranda Smith on the European Biotech Act
In this Q&A, Smith talks about why the European Biotech Act is significant, the new biosecurity risks emerging in the era of rapidly developing artificial intelligence (AI), and what the Act can and c...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Tyden Lofts in Hastings, Michigan, is gradually reopening after a resident made ricin in their apartment, prompting a full evacuation. Most areas have been cleared, but parts of the first floor remain restricted while testing and assessment continue. eu.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/l...
eu.lansingstatejournal.com
Hastings apartment building reopens after ricin exposure
Health officials have cleared 2 floors for entry at apartment complex exposed to ricin.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Israeli police conducted their first major drill simulating a biological terror attack. The exercise tested how police, hospitals, emergency services, the military, and government agencies would detect and respond to a BW threat. www.i24news.tv/he/news/news...
i24news.tv
i24NEWS
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
theatlantic.com
The AI Pandemic Isn’t On Its Way
Yet plenty of others might be, thanks to evolution.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
“Chilling” warning or overreaction? AI bioweapons report divides experts
Anthropic describes five cases where scientists in unnamed countries tried to use its Claude software for potentially nefarious work on viruses or toxins
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Russian biodefence research involving experimental vaccines against mpox/orthopoxviruses, including live-virus challenge studies, conducted by a Russian Ministry of Defense institute in collaboration with the Gamaleya Center. pharmvestnik.ru/content/news...
pharmvestnik.ru
Ведомственный институт Минобороны РФ начал исследования двух новых противооспенных вакцин
Центр Гамалеи разработал две кандидатные вакцины от оспы обезьян — на платформах мРНК и аденовирусных векторов. Доклинические испытания на животных проведёт 48 ЦНИИ Минобороны. Эффективность оценят по...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
A civilian virology laboratory reconstruction at Vector (Koltsovo, Russia) is being funded through the defense-procurement system. Purpose: creating facilities with the highest level of biosafety for virological research. infopro54.ru/news/centr-v...
infopro54.ru
Центр «Вектор» вновь планирует реконструкцию корпуса под Новосибирском - Infopro54 - Новости Новосибирска. Новости Сибири
Первый тендер был разыгран в 2022 году
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Article in Russian about the alleged BW activities on Lysiy Island in Tver Oblast, Russia. www.svoboda.org/a/biologi-v-...
svoboda.org
Биологи в военной форме. Кто изучает вирусы на секретном острове
Радио Свобода и расследовательский проект "Система" выяснили, что Центр экспериментальной физиологии, построенный в 2021-2025 годах на острове посреди Вышневолоцкого водохранилища и занимающийся, по д...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Two scientists in Brazil are accused of removing viruses without authorization. However, the case appears to involve more than unauthorized removal: academic disputes, patent and research ownership conflicts, and weaknesses in biosecurity procedures. www.r7.com/estudio/mist...
r7.com
O que está por trás do caso da professora que foi denunciada por retirar amostras de vírus de laboratório da Unicamp
Investigação revela rivalidade científica, falhas de controle e armazenamento irregular de material biológico em uma das principais universidades do país
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
An investigation into the alleged theft of at least 24 virus strains in Brazil continues. CCTV and biometric records reportedly show two scientists making unauthorized visits to restricted laboratories and leaving with boxes containing materials. g1.globo.com/sp/campinas-...
g1.globo.com
Furto de vírus Unicamp: imagens mostram suspeitos retirando amostras | G1
Registros aos quais o g1 teve acesso mostram movimentação do casal no laboratório, incluindo entrada em laboratório de segurança máxima sem equipamentos de proteção.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Russia’s new law restricts genetic data transfers abroad, driven partly by fears that foreign powers could develop genetic weapons. Scientists warn that the law could isolate Russian genetics research and hinder international scientific collaboration t-invariant.org/2026/07/pris...
t-invariant.org
Пришли за генетиками? Почему ученые считают новый закон о генетических данных угрозой для российской науки - Т-инвариант / T-invariant
1 сентября 2026 года, сразу после сезона отпусков, вступают в силу Федеральный закон № 43-ФЗ и постановление правительства № 750, регулирующие передачу генетических данных человека за пределы России. ...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
National Police of Ukraine: Since the beginning of 2026, law enforcement agencies have registered 11 cases of poisoning of military personnel, in which they are investigating or have already established a connection with Russian recruitment. mvs.gov.ua/news/ponad-3...
mvs.gov.ua
Понад 30 терактів і 11 отруєнь військових: Нацполіція викрила нові схеми вербування українців росією
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
www.popularmechanics.com/military/a73...
popularmechanics.com
America Banned Biological Weapons—But the CIA Hid a ‘Heart-Attack Gun’ Made From Shellfish Toxin
The frozen dart melted on impact, mimicking a fatal cardiac event. Is the deadly tech still in use?
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
A UN report says that Al-Qaida and ISIL (Da’esh) have long sought to develop chemical and biological weapons but have struggled with the technical difficulties involved. docs.un.org/en/S/2026/651
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The UK is considering tighter controls—particularly screening synthetic DNA orders—to reduce that risk, but international cooperation will be essential to make it work, according to Bloomberg. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
UK Plans Safeguards to Stop Terrorists Using AI For Bioweapons
The UK government is planning to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in gene synthesis as officials become increasingly concerned that a lack of global guardrails could make it easier to use t...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"Russians are looking for military men on dating sites and chat rooms (...) Most often, they use improvised explosive devices for murder. Sometimes they use deadly poisons synthesized from narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other chemicals." babel.ua/en/news/1290...?
babel.ua
Russians lure Ukrainian soldiers to fake meetings for murder. Since the beginning of the year, SBU has prevented over 50 such cases
SBU prevented more than 50 attempts by Russian special services to kill Ukrainian soldiers through online dating
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
thebulletin.org/2026/07/is-i...
thebulletin.org
Is it a chemical? Is it alive? Oversight in the coming era of synthetic cells could be complicated
Lab-designed cells could someday be used in medicine, environmental cleanup, or manufacturing. Imagine spraying biosensing cells on a wall to test for hidden mold or swallowing a pill full of cells th...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
This article in War on the Rocks argues that U.S. unconventional weapons policy has become too focused on speculative future threats, such as AI-enabled bioweapons, while neglecting current CBRN risks and losing critical technical expertise. warontherocks.com/possible-is-...
warontherocks.com
Possible Is Not Plausible: How Nightmare Scenarios Hijack Unconventional Weapons Policy
Current conversations surrounding unconventional weapons — chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear — have become so fantastical as to be
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
German article about help from the RKI to the Italian police regarding ricin double domicide case www.bild.de/news/ausland...
bild.de
Deutsche Biowaffen-Experten sollen Rätsel um Gift-Mord lösen
Die Fachleute vom Robert-Koch-Institut sollen nun den Fall um die getötete Bürgermeister-Tochter und ihre Mutter lösen.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
"Later, they received instructions to organize the poisoning of servicemen during a so-called “charity” party (...) during the event the suspects were to add potent toxic substances to the drinks. Such actions could have led to numerous deaths." mezha.net/eng/bukvy/8d...
mezha.net
SBU foils FSB plot to poison Ukrainian soldiers and stage attacks in Kharkiv region | Ukraine news - #Mezha
Ukraine’s security service thwarted an FSB-linked plot to poison soldiers and stage attacks in Kharkiv region, detaining two suspects and seizing explosives and evidence.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
www.cidrap.umn.edu/dual-use-res...
cidrap.umn.edu
Feds shut down ‘dangerous’ gain-of-function research, tighten oversight of foreign collaboration
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
This WSJ article argues that modern AI systems are becoming increasingly capable in biology and chemistry-related domains. A major theme is the growing interest among some users in misusing AI systems to obtain information related to BW www.wsj.com/tech/ai/open...
wsj.com
AI Chatbots Know How to Make Deadly Biological Weapons. Some Will Teach You.
AI companies play a cat-and-mouse game, trying to boost the capabilities of their creations while scrambling to block answers to dangerous queries.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
The article argues that disinformation has become an challenge for CBRNE preparedness and response. Modern CBRNE planning must account for coordinated influence operations, AI-generated content, and the growing difficulty of verifying digital information nct-cbnw.com/cbrne-and-di...
nct-cbnw.com
CBRNE and Disinformation (CBRNED) - NCT CBNW
By: Julian H. Neylan and Timothy B. Erickson Accurate, timely information is the backbone of any chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) response. This is why disruptions to t...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
www.sciencefocus.com/nature/mirro...
sciencefocus.com
'Mirror life is a very, very bad idea': The strange new organisms scientists are begging each other not to build – before it's too late | BBC Science Focus Magazine
As messing with mirror molecules could threaten all life, scientists must reflect on where to draw the line
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
"Furthermore, soldiers could be engineered to resist infectious diseases, radiation, and extreme temperatures (...) a Chinese military experiment (...) involved inserting a tardigrade gene into human embryonic stem cells to enhance radiation resistance. smallwarsjournal.com/2026/07/17/f...
smallwarsjournal.com
Forging the Future Soldier: Exoskeletons, Genetic Engineering, and Cyborgs
Exoskeletons, genetic engineering, and cyborgs are reshaping warfare with enhanced soldiers, cyber risks, and ethics.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Italian ricin murder case: "Chemical-toxicological tests performed on the 50-year-old's biological samples revealed the presence of castor oil toxins "in quantities equal to 722 ng/mL in the central blood postmortem." " www.ilmessaggero.it/italia/madre...
ilmessaggero.it
«Maxi-dosi ma si potevano salvare»: madre e figlia morte per la ricina, il veleno era nel cibo o nell’acqua
Ci sono poche certezze nel “giallo della ricina”, quello che finora sembra avere le sembianze del “delitto perfetto”. Queste certezze - estrapolate dalle 838 pagine della...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
According to Ukrainian prosecutors, two underage girls in Kharkiv, allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence through Telegram, poisoned and killed a Ukrainian National Guard soldier in February 2026 after being promised payment. www.ukrinform.net/rubric-crime...
ukrinform.net
In Kharkiv, investigation into murder of soldier by two underage girls acting on Russian orders continues
In February 2026, in Kharkiv, two underage girls recruited by Russian intelligence services fatally poisoned a soldier of the National Guard of Ukraine. — Ukrinform.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
A new study found no evidence that Boko Haram is using AI to develop CBRN weapons, but it identifies potential risks. Neither faction rules out chemical or biological weapons, some leaders expressed interest in acquiring them. casp.ac/reports/ai-e...
casp.ac
CASP — Cambridge Programme on AI Science & Policy | University of Cambridge
The Cambridge Programme on AI Science & Policy (CASP) is an interdisciplinary research programme on frontier AI at the University of Cambridge.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The article examines the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Philadelphia, where an unknown illness killed 29 people and sparked widespread conspiracy theories blaming foreign powers, the CIA, and biological warfare. www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
telegraph.co.uk
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
thebulletin.org/2026/06/cong...
thebulletin.org
Congress and Trump's policies on research risks wouldn't have prevented recent lab incidents. Here's what to do
None of the measures US officials are considering to protect people from biological research risks would have caught major incidents at two high-level US government laboratories.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Reuters reports that China secretly trained Russian military personnel in 2025 with approval from senior leaders in both countries, including courses on radiological, biological, and chemical defense. www.reuters.com/business/aer...
reuters.com
EXCLUSIVE: Russia approved secret China military training at top level, sources say
China's covert military training of Russian forces last year was personally approved by President Vladimir Putin's defence minister and directly involved at ​least four Russian and Chinese generals, a...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...
thehindu.com
Muharram 'rat poison' arrest: Police arrest man for distributing 'pills' during procession
Mumbai Police arrested a man for distributing toxic capsules during a Muharram procession, averting a potential mass tragedy.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
councilonstrategicrisks.org/2026/06/30/w...
councilonstrategicrisks.org
Warsaw Biosecurity Dialogue: Bolstering Bioresilience to Deter Hybrid Biothreats - The Council on Strategic Risks
Biothreats have entered a new and more dangerous phase, converging with hybrid "gray-zone" aggression, disinformation, and cyber operations, underscoring that bioresilience is the foundation of biodet...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
New world-leading lab to be built at secretive UK research site
Expert UK scientists working on the most innovative defence technologies will be backed by £580 million of infrastructure funding over the next four years, including to build a new world-leading new l...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine...
newsukraine.rbc.ua
Ukraine's intelligence warns of Russian biological terrorism in Kherson region
Read more
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
AI is changing biological and nuclear risks; governance must change accordingly thebulletin.org/2026/06/ai-i...
thebulletin.org
AI is changing biological and nuclear risks; governance must change accordingly
Seven principles from a recent Asilomar conference address how AI will affect nuclear and biological threats.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
theins.press/en/news/293795
theins.press
Kremlin bots respond with disinfo after former U.S. national intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard publishes report on “biolabs” in Ukraine
The Russian bot network Matryoshka has devoted a series of fake videos and posts to the topic of “American biolabs” in Ukraine, AntiBot4Navalny, a project that…
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
"...coniine was found in one of the vials. Investigators testified earlier in the trial that those vials were discovered following a search of the Millete home shortly after Larry Millete was arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife." www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/06/17/v...
sandiegouniontribune.com
Vial seized from Millete home tested positive for deadly poison, according to trial testimony
The vial found in Larry Millete’s home allegedly tested positive for coniine, a poisonous compound found in the plant poison hemlock.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Oded Ailam: "Iran was intensively engaged in the development of chemical and biological weapons in several research institutes and universities, including the Shahid Meisami Group research group, some of which were destroyed in the current strikes." www.jewishworldnews.org/news-posts/i...
jewishworldnews.org
The lesser-known, but real threats posed by Iran’s chemical-weapons program - The Jewish World
Israeli strikes in Operation Roaring Lion targeted Iran’s chemical-weapons program, which experts say draws far less attention than its nuclear work.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hAl...
youtube.com
WW2 Germ Lab Cover-Up In Occupied Singapore: Oka 9420 | Inside Unit 731 - Extra
YouTube video by CNA Insider
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqB5...
youtube.com
The Secret Deal: Why Japan’s WW2 Human Experiments Were Never Punished | Inside Unit 731 - Part 2
YouTube video by CNA Insider
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXM1...
youtube.com
"Once Infected, Death Was Certain": Inside Japan's Secret Death Lab | Inside Unit 731 - Part 1
YouTube video by CNA Insider
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
"Russian handlers use Telegram and other platforms to lure recruits with promises of easy money, often directing them to poison or gather intelligence on military personnel." www.kyivpost.com/post/77880
kyivpost.com
Six Murder Plots, Teen Recruits, Dating Apps: Russia’s New Campaign Against Ukrainian Troops
Police say Russian handlers are using social media, dating apps and cash rewards to recruit young Ukrainian women and teenage girls for attacks on servicemen.
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Man arrested on suspicion of biological weapons offence
An investigation has been launched since the discovery of the substance
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
In a June 1, 2026 TV appearance, Madagascar's head of state, Michaël Randrianirina, said Russian doctors believe botulism caused the June 2025 tragedy that killed more than 30 people at an anniversary celebration. The exact toxin remains unknown. fr.allafrica.com/stories/2026...
fr.allafrica.com
Madagascar: Colonel Randrianirina - «Le botulisme est la cause de l'anniversaire fatal»
Le Chef de l'État a remis en avant le sujet de l'anniversaire noir du 14 juin 2025, durant son émission spéciale sur la TVM, hier. Se basant sur la thèse de médecins russes, il affirme que le botulism...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Senior Dutch virologist, colleague accused of smuggling inactive Mpox into United States nltimes.nl/2026/06/03/s...
nltimes.nl
Senior Dutch virologist, colleague accused of smuggling inactive Mpox into United States
A Dutch virologist has been charged in the United States for smuggling vials of deactivated MPOX virus from the Republic of Congo into the U.S. and lying to the authorities about it. A fellow research...
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Robert Petersen @petersen2023.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
This article reports on allegations—many of them unverified—that Iran operates a hidden network of chemical and biological research facilities, some allegedly concealed within universities, medical institutions, and pharmaceutical centers. alhurra.com/en/21628
alhurra.com
Testimonies on Alleged Chemical Research Sites Across Iran | Alhurra
For years, Shah Murad Javanrouei, a Kurdish hunter from a village near Mount Shahu in western Iran, says he watched large, covered military trucks make their way to a Revolutionary Guards base on t…
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