IU opens lab devoted to study of rare diseases

IU has opened a new super-secure laboratory devoted to the study of rare diseases such as the pathogen that causes plague.

The Bloomington campus’ new “select agent” lab at the College of Arts and Sciences includes special security features to safeguard the rare pathogens it will house and study.

The lab, which opened Friday, is regulated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

IU biologist Melanie Marketon, who studies the bacterium that causes plague, is the first scientist to use the lab. She said she understands some people might be concerned about the lab’s research but said the complex has unprecedented safety and security measures.