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The Boston Public Health Commission on Wednesday gave the final approval for Boston University’s high-security laboratory to start research on the world’s deadliest microbes, ending a decade and a half of controversy. The commission’s OK was the final step allowing the study of Biosafety Level 4 pathogens — those that have no treatment or vaccine, such as Ebola. Level 4 research could begin in a month or two at the facility, called the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratories. (Freyer and McDonald, 12/6)

The Boston Public Health Commission gave that approval Wednesday. The Centers for Disease Control had given approval late last year. The lab has been open but awaiting the final go-ahead for the highest-tier infectious disease research. Ronald Corley, director of BU's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory, joined WBUR to discuss. (Mullins, 12/6)