Anti-ReDS Bacteriophage Found in London, Rio
Mybu4, the engineered bacteriophage said to be effective against the bacteria causing ReDS has been found in samples of the water in London and in Rio. Officials from the World Health Organization urge that all cities test the water for the virus, which has not been officially tested or declared safe.
Originally created in Russia, versions of Mybu4 have been found globally, generally constructed through the use of "bio-brick" Do-It-Yourself synthetic biology kits. Russia has been aggressive about asserting its intellectual property rights over the virus, however, and WHO researchers fear that the virus -- especially the "pirate" forms generally found -- may cause more damage than it cures.
The concentration of Mybu4 found in the water of London and Rio is nearly a thousand times weaker than would conceivably be needed to affect someone with ReDS.