Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology
2018

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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.

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188 pages · 8.5 x 11 · paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-46518-4
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-46519-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/24890

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

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Front Matter i-xii
Summary 1-8
1 Introduction 9-14
2 Biotechnology in the Age of Synthetic Biology 15-22
3 Framework for Assessing Concern About Synthetic Biology Capabilities 23-36
4 Assessment of Concerns Related to Pathogens 37-58
5 Assessment of Concerns Related to Production of Chemicals or Biochemicals 59-70
6 Assessment of Concerns Related to Bioweapons that Alter the Human Host 71-84
7 Related Developments That May Impact the Ability to Effect an Attack Using a Synthetic BiologyEnabled Weapon 85-94
8 Options for Mitigating Concerns 95-114
9 Moving Forward: Conclusions and Recommendations 115-128
References 129-146
Appendix A: Specific Synthetic Biology Concepts, Approaches, and Tools 147-156
Appendix B: Selected Prior Analyses Used to Inform the Framework 157-162
Appendix C: Questions to Stimulate Consideration of Framework Factors 163-166
Appendix D: Committee Biographies 167-170
Appendix E: Disclosure of Conflict of Interest 171-172
Appendix F: Study Methods 173-176

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Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology (2018)

Chapter: Appendix E: Disclosure of Conflict of Interest

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Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology (2018)

Chapter: Appendix E: Disclosure of Conflict of Interest