Topic: Unit 731

The discussion shifts to the historical use of infectious disease as a weapon, from smallpox-infected blankets to the Japanese bio-warfare program in WWII. Dr. Malone shares details from an upcoming Bobby Kennedy book regarding horrific human experiments where prisoners were autopsied while alive. These programs focused on the utilitarian principle that the ends justify the means in scientific research.

Following World War II, scientists from the Japanese bio-warfare program were reportedly recruited by both the United States and China. Similar to Werner Von Braun's role in NASA, these individuals were brought to USAMRIID in Frederick, Maryland, to establish the American military's biowarfare capabilities. Dr. Malone argues that this influx of personnel embedded a "fungible" ethical framework into the heart of the U.S. biodefense community.