Old Guard Urges Virologists to Go Back to Basics

Abstract

VIROLOGYIn an impassioned plea published last week, a group of veteran virologists argues that the genetic techniques that have revolutionized their field can't answer some of the most urgent and basic questions. The message to the younger generation, with its sleek polymerase chain reaction robots, DNA sequencers, and high-speed computers: Without bricks-and-mortar virology, it will be much harder to understand and fight the next dangerous virus that comes along.