University officials and leading scientists are warning that new government regulations on biological research adopted in the wake of Sept. 11, and simultaneous efforts to inhibit publication, threaten to undermine the fundamental openness of science and campus life.

"This has the potential for changing the definition of science, the way people do science, and even what we mean when we say science."

Under the new laws, only researchers with a "legitimate need" may have access to "select agents."