“It turns out that it was there because use of the hydrophobic nano-silica powder such as had become available in 2001 permitted greater concentration.”
Your opinion expressed by you as if it were accepted fact. I prefer the facts as given by AFIP.
http://www.afip.org/images/public/nl081002.pdf
The AFIP lab deputy director, Florabel Mullick, said “This [silica] was a key component. Silica prevents the anthrax from aggregating, making it easier to aerosolize.
Yes, it makes it easier to aerosolize. Permits greater concentration. Down to a uniform 1 micron. It operates like a gas once the excess silica is removed through repeated centrifugation. Highly sophisticated product. Source of know how was state bioweapons program.
The advance in silica nanoparticles led to really, really small silica particles. Big breakthrough about 2001 See manufacturer’s webpage (especially through Wayback machine).
I was just kidding about not understanding Bill Nye — I taught him everything he knows.
As for the military expert who makes the anthrax simulant, you have his name and know his credentials. I very likely forwarded you all the email messages. So if you want to pick a playground fight, pick it with him privately. The fact his lab was raided by the FBI gives him some street cred. If you don’t want to admit you were right, that’s fine by me. Surely you can appreciate that there is value in soliciting opinions from microbiologists working in the field.