The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats

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...

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Main Authors: William Mo, Christopher A. Vaiana, Chris J. Myers
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-12-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55436-y
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author William Mo
Christopher A. Vaiana
Chris J. Myers
author_facet William Mo
Christopher A. Vaiana
Chris J. Myers
author_sort William Mo
collection DOAJ
description 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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spelling doaj-art-d2a1c1b4cc264cb896bf9a66395f09c32025-08-20T02:31:51ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232024-12-011511910.1038/s41467-024-55436-yThe need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threatsWilliam Mo0Christopher A. Vaiana1Chris J. Myers2Draper Scholar, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.Department of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55436-y
spellingShingle William Mo
Christopher A. Vaiana
Chris J. Myers
The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
Nature Communications
title The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
title_full The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
title_fullStr The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
title_full_unstemmed The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
title_short The need for adaptability in detection, characterization, and attribution of biosecurity threats
title_sort need for adaptability in detection characterization and attribution of biosecurity threats
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55436-y
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