The Changing Face of Life Science – Plum Island
In the USA, Life Science labs no longer have to be close to people and populated places. This is because of technological enhancements.
Life Science Llabs that were established with this idea can certainly make for very interesting reading though. Take Plum Island, which was dubbed the ‘Area 51’ of the Eastern Seaboard.
Life Science Scientists on Plum Island have been involved in the study of infectious pathogens for nearly 70 years.
They have protected the East Coast of America’s livestock industry and populace. North Carolina, South Carolina and Rhode Island have all been protected without many people even knowing. Whilst their work is pivotal for national security, biodiversity and the fish and wildlife service, the era of remote experimentation on dangerous pathogens is behind us.
As the Plum Island Animal Disease Center prepares for decommissioning, a state-of-the-art billion-dollar facility is set to take its place in the heartland of the United States. Not quite New York City, but still much closer to people than Plum Island.
The costs of sustaining Plum Island have become untenable. Government officials are looking to a more pragmatic approach to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The new facility will be based in Manhattan, Kansas. It will launch in the coming years catering for life science.
One rumor about Plum Island is that scientists were involved with engineering Lyme disease into a biological weapon.
There is also the rumor that Lab 257 was involved in the US biological weapons program. This hasn’t been confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The reality is a place focused on life science scientific discovery and safeguarding against threats to public health and agricultural security.
The island barrier and Atlantic Ocean have proven useful on a few occasions down the years.
An incident in 1978 saw foot-and-mouth disease escape from the confines of the lab.
Thanks to the water barrier of the Parker River, the spread of the disease any further than Plum Island beach was swiftly contained.
History has a way of reminding us of the consequences when things don’t go to plan. Examples include tragedies like the Marburg virus outbreak in 1967. German and Serbian workers contracted the Marburg virus from African green monkeys in the lab.
31 individuals were infected and seven lost their lives.
Bioterrorism is another thing to consider. In the late 1970s, anthrax spores escaped from a Russian lab, costing a number of lives.
The 21st century has seen the rapid spread of infectious diseases with no boundaries.
Instances of lab-acquired infections in Singapore, Taipei and China served as further reminders of the risks faced by life science scientists on the frontlines of disease research.
In 2007, the United Kingdom saw foot-and-mouth disease virus leak from a lab. The rapid transmission of the virus resulted in the culling of thousands of animals.
Rigorous safety standards and robust biosecurity measures are important for research facilities worldwide.
Every interaction with the most infectious pathogens requires adherence to protocols.
At Plum Island, life science scientists wear full-body white Tyvek suits. They remove earrings, watches and wedding rings, to put on scrubs and cotton socks before starting any work.
They undergo a five-minute shower before returning into shared spaces. They must respect a period of self-imposed quarantine when working with infected animals.
Every facet of the life science laboratory is orchestrated to prevent infectious agents from escaping.
The expense of the facility’s upkeep costs the government $50 to $60 million annually. There is a call to embrace innovation and evolution in the pursuit of continued scientific excellence.
The promise of high-containment facilities on the mainland signals a future with potential.
The move to Kansas is seen as a very promising development for the biosecurity industry. Pat Roberts, Republican Senator, envisions his state as the Silicon Valley of biosecurity.
Moving such high-risk research to Kansas requires a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate the safety and feasibility of conducting this type of research in the heart of the Midwest.
The potential for something like a leak of foot-and-mouth disease presents policy makers with the stark reality of balancing scientific progress with public safety.
And then there’s the cost. The initial venture capital cost projections of the NBAF were estimated at $451 million. The final price tag nearly tripled to a staggering $1.25 billion.
Despite the financial investment though, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. A new chapter of scientific life science exploration and discovery is about to begin.
As staff initiate equipment testing and procedural drafting, the absence of biological materials within the lab shows a cautious approach. This is also a commitment to safeguarding the surrounding communities, human and animal populations, as well as the agricultural landscape from potential risks and biosecurity threats.
Every aspect of the facility, down to the parking lot, has been finely calibrated to prevent a potential outbreak.
The facility’s resilience against natural disasters, notably its near-impenetrability to tornadoes, is testament to its robust engineering and proactive risk mitigation strategies for life science research.
What is Plum Island’s legacy then? Will it become a national wildlife refuge for birds like the Piping Plover and plants like beach plums? The Preserve Plum Island Coalition would like that, as they look to save the sound and protect other areas of Long Island Sound.
Its epitaph could read:
‘A place of resilience, discovery and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.’
