In the past five years, new technology has made it easier to genetically modify microbes and even create new ones from scratch. Some worry that the developments could lead to novel and more dangerous kinds of bioterror threats.
Senior scientific advisers to the World Health Organisation (WHO) have recommended the creation of a genetically modified version of the smallpox virus to counter any threat of a bioterrorist attack.
The Sunshine Project warns that U.S. military research into the deadly 'Spanish Flu' influenza virus that killed 20-40 million people in 1918
A new single-molecule, nanoscale sensor -- more than 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair -- stands to play a big part in what some scientists see as a revolution in diagnostics. Creation of the microtool, by physicists at the University of California, Los Angeles, could pave the way for early detection of cancer and other genetic diseases. It also could lead to timely identification of anthrax and other biowarfare agents and prompt determination of the potential power of a new drug.
Scientists are developing a new breed of genetically engineered plants that can sense the presence of harmful chemical or biological agents. The hope is to deploy these leafy recruits in the fight against terrorism.
Dr. Claire Fraser against calls for the classification of the genome data of harmful organisms because the data may be useful to terrorists. She advocates keeping "our databases open - to promote research that can increase our level of preparedness and as a corollary, perhaps serve as a deterrent."
Red Herring predicts that concerns over biological warfare will will help pull the biotechnology industry out of the funk that has been hampering startup activity, deal flow, valuations, and patent filings.
In the wake of terrorist attacks, funding is increasing for life science companies engaged in virtually any area of biosecurity. Organizations that produce vaccines and antibiotics, as well as those developing therapeutics, detection systems, and diagnostics, are receiving much-needed attention from government and private sectors.
It could soon be possible to temporarily boost people's immune systems to fight off all sorts of diseases, including anthrax. This could help protect travellers and people undergoing surgery, as well as workers or soldiers at risk from bioweapons.