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Mo W, Vaiana CA, Myers CJ. The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats. Nat Commun 2024; 15:10699. [PMID: 39702312 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Modern biotechnology necessitates robust biosecurity protocols to address the risk of engineered biological threats. Current efforts focus on screening DNA and rejecting the synthesis of dangerous elements but face technical and logistical barriers. Screening should integrate into a broader strategy that addresses threats at multiple stages of development and deployment. The success of this approach hinges upon reliable detection, characterization, and attribution of engineered DNA. Recent advances notably aid the potential to both develop threats and analyze them. However, further work is needed to translate developments into biosecurity applications. This work reviews cutting-edge methods for DNA analysis and recommends avenues to improve biosecurity in an adaptable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Mo
- Draper Scholar, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., 555 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Christopher A Vaiana
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., 555 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chris J Myers
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Eyal N, Williams B, Esvelt KM, Bambauer J. Metagenomic Sequencing for Early Detection of Future Engineered Pandemics: Foreshadowing the Privacy Challenge. Health Secur 2024; 22:466-475. [PMID: 39632779 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nir Eyal
- Nir Eyal, DPhil, is the Henry Rutgers and Dr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Bergen Professor of Bioethics, Institute for Health, School of Public Health, and Philosophy Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Bridget Williams, MBBS, MPH, MSt, is a DPhil Candidate, Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Kevin M. Esvelt, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. Jane Bambauer, JD, Brechner Eminent Scholar and Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
| | - Bridget Williams
- Nir Eyal, DPhil, is the Henry Rutgers and Dr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Bergen Professor of Bioethics, Institute for Health, School of Public Health, and Philosophy Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Bridget Williams, MBBS, MPH, MSt, is a DPhil Candidate, Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Kevin M. Esvelt, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. Jane Bambauer, JD, Brechner Eminent Scholar and Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
| | - Kevin M Esvelt
- Nir Eyal, DPhil, is the Henry Rutgers and Dr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Bergen Professor of Bioethics, Institute for Health, School of Public Health, and Philosophy Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Bridget Williams, MBBS, MPH, MSt, is a DPhil Candidate, Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Kevin M. Esvelt, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. Jane Bambauer, JD, Brechner Eminent Scholar and Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jane Bambauer
- Nir Eyal, DPhil, is the Henry Rutgers and Dr. and Mrs. Stanley S. Bergen Professor of Bioethics, Institute for Health, School of Public Health, and Philosophy Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Bridget Williams, MBBS, MPH, MSt, is a DPhil Candidate, Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Kevin M. Esvelt, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. Jane Bambauer, JD, Brechner Eminent Scholar and Professor of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
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Awan J, Faherty LJ, Willis HH. Navigating Uncertainty in Public Health Decisionmaking: The Role of a Value of Information Framework in Threat Agnostic Biosurveillance. Health Secur 2024; 22:39-44. [PMID: 38079227 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2023.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Awan
- Jalal Awan, MS, MPhil, PhD, is an Energy and Climate Policy Analyst, The Utility Reform Network, Oakland, CA, and an Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA
| | - Laura J Faherty
- Laura J. Faherty, MD, MPH, MSHP, is a Physician Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation, and an Attending Physician, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
| | - Henry H Willis
- Henry H. Willis, PhD, is a Senior Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA
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