Biological and Chemical Weapons

Gregory Koblentz, a member of the Center’s Scientists Working Group, wrote an article for the Sacramento Business Journal about a California biosecurity bill that, if passed, would establish the first legally binding biosecurity measure for the synthetic biology industry in the U.S. — and in the world. “The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated not only how […]

Gregory Koblentz, a member of the Center’s Science Working Group, was quoted in a Roll Call article about the need for more Congressional scrutiny into experiments, known as “gain of function” research, that change pathogens to make them more infectious or dangerous. “Congress only pays attention to stuff when things go wrong,” said Gregory Koblentz, […]

Gregory Koblentz and Lynn Klotz, members of our Science Working Group, were both quoted in an Agence France-Presse article about leaks at biolabs. “There are HVAC filtration systems, so that the virus can’t escape through exhaust; any waste water that leaves the facility is treated with either chemicals or high temperatures to make sure that […]

Gregory Koblentz, a member of our Science Working Group, was quoted in a Popular Science article on developing a global approach to biosecurity. Of the 23 countries that have BSL-4 labs, only 17 have national biosafety associations or are members of international partnerships. International bodies, the researchers say, should be providing support for the remaining […]

Gregory Koblentz, a member of the Center’s Scientists Working Group, spoke with BBC Radio 4 about the threats posed by technological advances in DNA. Listen now Has DNA technology advanced so far that a rogue scientist, or even a biologically competent terrorist, could assemble a deadly pathogen from genetic sequences bought by mail order? The complete […]