USDA closes biology lab at Indiana University Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (WOWO) A biology lab at Indiana University’s Bloomington campus has been closed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to a letter sent to the school’s biology department.

USDA closure confirmed by letter
The letter indicated the closure was due to USDA activity, though it did not specify the nature of the work the agency will be conducting at the lab according to WSBT.

Requests for comment sent to the USDA by CBS’s reporting partner in Indianapolis were not immediately answered.

Background on recent lab concerns
The closure follows a recent investigation of another Indiana University biology lab over concerns involving a Chinese post-graduate student and allegations of smuggling plasmid DNA derived from E. coli. No details have been released connecting that prior investigation to the current USDA activity.

University response
Indiana University Bloomington has not released an official statement regarding the closure beyond the letter to the department. No information has been provided about the expected length of the shutdown or any impact on ongoing research projects.

Next steps
It remains unclear when the USDA will complete its activity at the lab or when it will reopen. University officials and federal authorities are expected to provide updates once the review or investigation concludes.

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