Genomics in Biosecurity


Book Description

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




Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology


Book Description

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.




Seeking Security


Book Description

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.




Science and Security in a Post 9/11 World


Book Description

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 Global Age


Book Description

"The renewed threat of biological weapons highlights the importance of crafting policy responses informed by the rule of law. This book explores patterns in recent governance initiatives and advocates building a "global biosecurity concert" as a way to address the threats presented by biological weapons and infectious diseases in the early 21st century."--BOOK JACKET.




Exploring Horizons for Domestic Animal Genomics


Book Description

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.




Next Steps for Functional Genomics


Book Description

One of the holy grails in biology is the ability to predict functional characteristics from an organism's genetic sequence. Despite decades of research since the first sequencing of an organism in 1995, scientists still do not understand exactly how the information in genes is converted into an organism's phenotype, its physical characteristics. Functional genomics attempts to make use of the vast wealth of data from "-omics" screens and projects to describe gene and protein functions and interactions. A February 2020 workshop was held to determine research needs to advance the field of functional genomics over the next 10-20 years. Speakers and participants discussed goals, strategies, and technical needs to allow functional genomics to contribute to the advancement of basic knowledge and its applications that would benefit society. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.




An Introduction to Ethical, Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology


Book Description

An Introduction to Ethical, Safety and Intellectual Property Rights Issues in Biotechnology provides a comprehensive look at the biggest technologies that have revolutionized biology since the early 20th century, also discussing their impact on society. The book focuses on issues related to bioethics, biosafety and intellectual property rights, and is written in an easy-to-understand manner for graduate students and early career researchers interested in the opportunities and challenges associated with advances in biotechnology. Important topics covered include the Human Genome Project, human cloning, rDNA technology, the 3Rs and animal welfare, bioterrorism, human rights and genetic discrimination, good laboratory practices, good manufacturing practices, the protection of biological material and much more. Full of relevant case studies, practical examples, weblinks and resources for further reading, this book offers an essential and holistic look at the ways in which biotechnology has affected our global society. - Provides a comprehensive look at the ethical, legal and social implications of biotechnology - Discusses the global efforts made to resolve issues - Incorporates numerous case studies to more clearly convey concepts and chart the development of guidelines and legislation regulating issues in biotechnology - Takes a straightforward approach to highlight and discuss both the benefits and risks associated with the latest biotechnologies




Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism


Book Description

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.




Biosecurity in the Making


Book Description

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.