Cause of Mad Cow Disease Nov 15, 2007
Some researchers disagree with Prusiner, primarily because prions don't behave according to Koch's postulates, the rules for determining whether a specific microbe causes a specific disease. The problem is that prions are not always found when TSEs are diagnosed. (Suite101.com)
New Virus May Be Responisble For Unexplained Respiratory Infection May 19, 2007
These steps, known to microbiologists as Koch's postulates, were established in the 19th century. Wang says they represent the scientific "gold standard" for linking a microorganism to disease, but as technology has made it possible for scientists to identify viruses before culturing them, the postulates haven't always been followed. (Science Daily)
Viruses bridge gap to healthy cells Feb 13, 2007
I expect that a logical next step for these researchers would be to demonstrate that their "retroviruses" actually fulfill the Gold Standard - Koch's Postulates, before making further claims. I eagerly await the results of carefully monitored experiments, proving out these viral-like particles are actually infectious per Koch's accepted standard for all infectious diseases. (The Scientist)
