Smallpox fight wins more computing help
Stephen Shankland Former Principal Writer
Stephen Shankland worked at CNET from 1998 to 2024 and wrote about processors, digital photography, AI, quantum computing, computer science, materials science, supercomputers, drones, browsers, 3D printing, USB, and new computing technology in general. He has a soft spot in his heart for standards groups and I/O interfaces. His first big scoop was about radioactive cat poop.
Expertise Processors, semiconductors, web browsers, quantum computing, supercomputers, AI, 3D printing, drones, computer science, physics, programming, materials science, USB, UWB, Android, digital photography, science. Credentials
- Shankland covered the tech industry for more than 25 years and was a science writer for five years before that. He has deep expertise in microprocessors, digital photography, computer hardware and software, internet standards, web technology, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control have purchased a Linux Networx cluster to help improve the vaccine for smallpox, the company said Monday. The Linux system, with 40 Athlon MP processors from AMD, will be used to seek a new smallpox vaccine.
The current vaccine hasn't been improved in 30 years; of the 25,645 people vaccinated since the United States began a response to possible biological weapons attacks, 19 have had moderate to severe reactions, according to the CDC. IBM also is also involved in the smallpox fight. The Defense Department is funding its system, which is being used to seek a smallpox cure for people who come down with the disease.