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DNA synthesis and biological security

A group of academics, industry executives and security experts propose an oversight framework to address concerns over the security of research involving commercial DNA synthesis.

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Figure 1: Our framework calls for the immediate and systematic implementation of a tiered DNA synthesis order screening process.

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Acknowledgements

The article expresses the opinions of the individual authors and does not necessarily reflect US government policy. We thank colleagues serving on the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, other government agencies and the organizers and participants in a project supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for sharing information and perspectives that directly inform our Commentary.

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H.B., R.W., GENEART; J.P.D., G.C., D.E., Codon Devices; J.M., Blue Heron Biotechnologies; R.M., D.R., CODA Genomics; H.-O. P., Bioneer; B.R., BaseClear.

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Bügl, H., Danner, J., Molinari, R. et al. DNA synthesis and biological security. Nat Biotechnol 25, 627–629 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0607-627

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0607-627

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