Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, used reverse genetics to produce a vaccine against the H5N1 avian flu virus.

CNN: Candidate virus for H1N1 vaccine arrives at CDC

The approach, called reverse genetics, is similar to reverse engineering.

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Another method of creating a candidate virus also mixes wild virus with a second, fast-growing strain, but instead of growing them in eggs, lets the viruses mingle in a special solution while scientists manipulate them through a complex technique called reverse genetics.

CNN: Candidate virus for H1N1 vaccine arrives at CDC

From Wolfe's perspective, the best way to reverse those failures, and to create a vaccine, is to first understand the genetics of the disease.

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