Regarding and Reducing Risks of the Biotechnology Revolution

Abstract

The convergence of biotechnology, automation, big data, and computational science (i.e.-machine learning/artificial intelligence; ML/AI) is fostering a “biotechnology revolution”, whereby current and emerging innovations are creating novel methods, tools, and products for many sectors of the global economy. The past decade has afforded proof (of both concept and capability) that technologic advancement is enabling biology to be purposefully engineered. Application of the “design, build, test” cycle to synthetic biology is generating high value commodities that impact traditional sectors, such as medicine and agriculture, as well as newly viable domains such as production of fuels, and industrial materials. Not merely evolutionary (i.e.- a gradual progression or shift), such developments are truly revolutionary, in that they are transformational and, in many ways, the trends and manifestation they foster are likely irreversible. While these innovations offer potential to solve heretofore intractable problems of healthcare, environment and resource sustainability, newly emerging techniques and technologies also have implications and direct viability for dual use.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Emerging Science and Technologies

Publication Date

6-2022

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