Among the many weak links the FBI made between Ivins and the attacks was this gem: Ivins had specialized knowledge in how to operate a “drying machine,” or lyophilizer. Having used a lyophilizer myself, I must say that anyone with half a brain could figure out how to operate it. Technological innovation has made it so that most laboratory equipment is extremely easy to use.

The attacker was smart enough to understand how to carry out this sophisticated attack, but operation of a straightforward freeze-drying machine is the limiting factor (yes, lyophilizers are also used to make Folgers Crystals and all other freeze-dried products that have been around for decades).