Genomics in Biosecurity

Genomics in Biosecurity PDF

Author: Manousos E. Kambouris

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2021-11-24

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 0323852378

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Genomics in Biosecurity: Principles and Applications of Genomic Technologies in Expanded Biosecurity Concepts, in the Translational and Applied Genomics series, explains in definite and practical terms the applicability of genomic technologies in every aspect of biosecurity, from emergent diagnostics to bioterrorism, agroterrorism, next generation biowarfare, biosurveillance and risk assessment. This book offers an integrated discussion of genomics and GCBR (global catastrophic biological risks) events, considering both basic aspects of biosecurity genomics and application of genomic technologies to drive new solutions. Readers will find evidence-based strategies to apply genomics in disease and pathogen monitoring and diagnosis, and more. Social aspects of GCBR events and genomic biosecurity, such as issues of terrorism, policy ethics, and practice, are also considered in-depth. Examines the use of genomics in pathogen monitoring and diagnosis, biosurveillance, and countermeasures for spontaneous and perpetrated events Discusses social, ethical, and policy aspects of GCBR events and the use of genomic technologies in biosecurity Empowers new solutions in biorestoration, biocrime, counterbioterrorism, disaster management, and humanitarian crisis response Features chapter contributions from a range of international specialists

Seeking Security

Seeking Security PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-10-27

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 0309165695

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Within the last 30 years, the genomes of thousands of organisms, from viruses, to bacteria, to humans, have been sequenced or partially sequenced and deposited in databases freely accessible to scientists around the world. This information is accelerating scientists' ability to fight disease and make other medical advances, but policymakers must consider the possibility that the information could also be used for destructive purposes in acts of bioterrorism or war. Based in part on views from working biological scientists, the report concludes that current policies that allow scientists and the public unrestricted access to genome data on microbial pathogens should not be changed. Because access improves our ability to fight both bioterrorism and naturally occurring infectious diseases, security against bioterrorism is better served by policies that facilitate, not limit, the free flow of this information.

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology PDF

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2018-12-05

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 0309465214

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Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.

Dual-use life science research and biosecurity in the 21st Century: Social, Technical, Policy, and Ethical Challenges

Dual-use life science research and biosecurity in the 21st Century: Social, Technical, Policy, and Ethical Challenges PDF

Author: Jonathan E. Suk

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2015-06-04

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 2889195686

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In September 2011, scientists announced new experimental findings that would not only threaten the conduct and publication of influenza research, but would have significant policy and intelligence implications. The findings presented a modified variant of the H5N1 avian influenza virus (hereafter referred to as the H5N1 virus) that was transmissible via aerosol between ferrets. These results suggested a worrisome possibility: the existence of a new airborne and highly lethal H5N1 virus that could cause a deadly global pandemic. In response, a series of international discussions on the nature of dual-use life science arose. These discussions addressed the complex social, technical, political, security, and ethical issues related to dual-use research. This Research Topic will be devoted to contributions that explore this matrix of issues from a variety of case study and international perspectives.

Exploring Horizons for Domestic Animal Genomics

Exploring Horizons for Domestic Animal Genomics PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-08-27

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 0309169127

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Recognizing the important contributions that genomic analysis can make to agriculture, production and companion animal science, evolutionary biology, and human health with respect to the creation of models for genetic disorders, the National Academies convened a group of individuals to plan a public workshop that would: (1) assess these contributions; (2) identify potential research directions for existing genomics programs; and (3) highlight the opportunities of a coordinated, multi-species genomics effort for the science and policymaking communities. Their efforts culminated in a workshop sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. The workshop was convened on February 19, 2002. The goal of the workshop was to focus on domestic animal genomics and its integration with other genomics and functional genomics projects.

Genome Editing and Global Food Security

Genome Editing and Global Food Security PDF

Author: Zeba Khan (Plant biotechnologist)

Publisher:

Published: 2023-09

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781003382102

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"With the rapid increase in the global population and changing climatic impacts on agriculture, genome editing will be an indispensable technique to overcome ongoing and prospective agricultural challenges. This book summarises a range of genome editing techniques and discusses the roles they can play in producing a new generation of high-yielding, climate ready crops. This includes Site-Specific Nucleases, precision genome engineering, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and bioinformatics. It showcases how these gene editing techniques can tailor plants to not only increase yield related traits, but to also make them better suited to their environment and to be resistant to pests and extreme climatic events, such as droughts. The book also examines genome editing regulations and policies, the commercialisation of genome edited crops and biosafety and biosecurity concerns. Overall, this book unveils how genome editing can improve crop resilience and production for elevating food security concerns. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of Agricultural sciences, crop and plant sciences, genome editing, sustainable agriculture, Biotechnology and food security"--

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-03-02

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0309089778

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In recent years much has happened to justify an examination of biological research in light of national security concerns. The destructive application of biotechnology research includes activities such as spreading common pathogens or transforming them into even more lethal forms. Policymakers and the scientific community at large must put forth a vigorous and immediate response to this challenge. This new book by the National Research Council recommends that the government expand existing regulations and rely on self-governance by scientists rather than adopt intrusive new policies. One key recommendation of the report is that the government should not attempt to regulate scientific publishing but should trust scientists and journals to screen their papers for security risks, a task some journals have already taken up. With biological information and tools widely distributed, regulating only U.S. researchers would have little effect. A new International Forum on Biosecurity should encourage the adoption of similar measures around the world. Seven types of risky studies would require approval by the Institutional Biosafety Committees that already oversee recombinant DNA research at some 400 U.S. institutions. These "experiments of concern" include making an infectious agent more lethal and rendering vaccines powerless.

Science and Security in a Post 9/11 World

Science and Security in a Post 9/11 World PDF

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-10-10

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13: 0309179556

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Based on a series of regional meetings on university campuses with officials from the national security community and academic research institutions, this report identifies specific actions that should be taken to maintain a thriving scientific research environment in an era of heightened security concerns. Actions include maintaining the open exchange of scientific information, fostering a productive environment for international scholars in the U.S., reexamining federal definitions of sensitive but unclassified research, and reviewing policies on deemed export controls. The federal government should establish a standing entity, preferably a Science and Security Commission, that would review policies regarding the exchange of information and the participation of foreign-born scientists and students in research.

Biosecurity in the Making

Biosecurity in the Making PDF

Author: Manousos E. Kambouris

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2023-12-01

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 100380926X

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The explosive growth of bioeconomy and bioscience, coupled with an interconnected planet increases the potential impact of large-scale bio-events. Either causing public health threats as in epidemics or posing food security issues, from mass poisonings to large-scale starvation, such eventualities are direct threats and indirect destabilizers in a planetary context. The issue of Biosecurity thus pervades every affected aspect, from exploitations of the agro-sector and the food industry to the Public Health management, the novel therapeutic/treatment approaches, the new age of space, deep-sea and subterranean explorations and the interface with the cyber world and the massive or small-scale projection of violence. It has been present since ancient times tacitly and discreetly but only recently took its present guise, the different aspects of which are explored in this book.