Analysis of the threat of genetically modified organisms for biological warfare / Jerry Warner [and three others].

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Warner, Jerry, author.

Contributor:

National Defense University. Center for Technology and National Security Policy, issuing body.

Series:

Defense & technology papers ; no. 82.

Defense and technology papers ; no. 82

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Transgenic organisms--Risk assessment.

Transgenic organisms.

Transgenic organisms--Research.

Biological warfare--Research.

Biological warfare.

Bioterrorism--Research.

Bioterrorism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (37 pages) : color illustrations.

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : Center for Technology and National Security Policy, National Defense University, 2011.

Summary:

Evaluating the potential threats posed by advances in biotechnology, especially genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and synthetic biology remains a contentious issue. Some believe that, inevitably, these advances will lead to a catastrophic biological attack. Others believe that, despite these advances, the scientific and technical requirements, as well as the fundamental laws of natural selection will prevent such an attack. To better understand this issue, this study narrowed the scope of consideration in several dimensions. First, the analysis primarily focused on what was defined as a "catastrophic biological attack", with a required level of damage more associated with biological warfare than bioterrorism. This damage would need to be direct in nature where the effect is more physical than psychological. Second, this biological attack would be restricted to the United States, not another nation or entity. In this sense, U.S. geography, climatology, infrastructure and medical systems play to counterbalance any potential biological attack. Even within a more narrow scope, there remains inherent complexity and uncertainty which, combined with the considerable rate of change for biotechnology, defies a simple, straightforward answer. The study concludes that, broadly stated, peaceful scientific advances, global statistics and demographics of GMOs suggest that the potential for corruption of biotechnology to catastrophic malevolent use is considerable, and recommends that, in concert with "science-based" analysis, further efforts to expand and utilize this analytical framework be undertaken to better characterize the future threat from GMOs as well as other emerging threats such as those derived from systems or synthetic biology and bioregulators.

Contents:

Introduction

Background

Technical discussion (scientific principles underlying GMOs)

Framework of analysis

Limited current analysis/cost-benefit approach

Preliminary findings

Conclusion.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed on April 16, 2012).

Series from web site.

"May 2011."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 32-34).

Other Format:

Print version: Analysis of the threat of genetically modified organisms for biological warfare

OCLC:

741510792