Porton Down to lose the Health Protection Agency?
They're some of the top scientists in the world. Their latest project has been testing the swine flu vaccine - but Porton Down's Health Protection Agency could now become a victim of that most contagious disease - election fever.
In meetings yesterday the 800 people who work there were told that reorganisation within the Department of Health means they could be switched to Harlow in Essex at the Terlings Science Park, or possibly London or the Cotswolds.
It's come out of the blue. At the end of last year there were big plans to improve facilities at Porton Down, near Salisbury, part of the MOD estate.
It's unlikely a firm announcement will be made this side of an election, but staff had to be warned, and now 800 families have the foundations of their lives turned upside down. Their kids' schooling, plans for a new car or just a holiday are all on hold.
And the uncertainty feeds on itself - when politicians won't be straight about their budget plans administrators have to plan for the worst. Even these scientists can't find an antidote for the disease of political uncertainty.
Welcome to the hustings! I'm Peter Henley, the BBC's political reporter in the south of England. From parish councils in Sussex, to European politics in Oxford, this is the blog for you. 
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