In Asia, more than 120 people have been sickened, and 23 are dead, from a potent strain of bird flu that has the frightening markings of a potential pandemic strain.

FORBES: We're Not Prepared For China's Deadly Bird Flu

Yet each has the potential to spark a pandemic, public-health experts fear.

WSJ: Virus's Toll in Saudi Arabia Raises Fears of Faster Spread

Work began on a big project to understand potential flu pandemic threats.

FORBES: Hype in Genes