Scientists question government anthrax attack findings

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Two scientists say they've written a research paper questioning the government conclusion that an Army microbiologist at Fort Detrick was the sole perpetrator of the 2001 anthrax attacks that killed five people and sickened others.

Epidemiologist Martin Hugh-Jones at Louisiana State University says the article will be published in the Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense. Journal editors didn't respond to queries about a publication date.

The article, co-written by Dallas chemist Stuart Jacobsen, maintains anthrax spores were coated with chemicals indicating a higher degree of manufacturing skill than Bruce E. Ivins possessed. Ivins, who denied involvement, died in 2008 as the Justice Department prepared to charge him with murder.

Department spokesman Dean Boyd said in an email the article provides no evidence spores were grown anywhere but in Ivins' lab.

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October 10, 2011 05:32 PM EDT

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