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Description

This commentary looks at recent incidents that highlight emerging national security risks posed by advances in biotechnology and synthetic biology. The discovery of suspicious biological materials stored in a residential facility in Reedley, California, and reports that a rare neurotoxin may have been used against Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny illustrate how barriers to acquiring and operationalizing biological and chemical agents are declining. Tools such as gene editing, modular DNA assembly, laboratory automation, and AI-enabled biological design are expanding the range of actors capable of producing or modifying bioagents while complicating detection and attribution. Strengthened biodefense measures, including “biosecurity-by-design,” improved bioforensics and attribution capabilities, enhanced force protection, and closer interagency coordination can address these risk and counter emerging biotechnology threats.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Biological and Chemical Issues, Emerging Science and Technologies, National Security

Region(s)

United States

Publication Date

2-17-2026

Keywords

biotechnology risks, biosecurity, biodefense, synthetic biology, gene editing, dual-use biotechnology, biological threats, neurotoxins, bioforensics, biogeny attribution, force protection, national security biotechnology, biological weapons risks, emerging technologies, biotechnology threats

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6505-4729

The Recent Rash of Biotechnology Risks: A Call to Fortify Force Capability

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