I initially thought there must be some simple reason that publishing the DNA sequence is not a dangerous thing to do, like “ok, but given that you would need a world class lab and maybe even some techniques which haven’t even been invented yet to get it to work, it’s not a dangerous thing to publish”.
“Scientifically, the results are not surprising or astounding in any way,” says virologist Vincent Racaniello of Columbia University. “The point here, of course, is that the DNA can be synthesized from the [genetic] sequence, and this could be done by any third-rate terrorist.”
Apparently, large organisations like the NIH are foolhardy enough to publish dangerous data like this. I wonder if there’s some other justification, like “the data was already public, in such a way that it could not be removed”
I initially thought there must be some simple reason that publishing the DNA sequence is not a dangerous thing to do, like “ok, but given that you would need a world class lab and maybe even some techniques which haven’t even been invented yet to get it to work, it’s not a dangerous thing to publish”.
According to this article from 2002, synthesising smallpox would be tricky, but within the reach of a terrorist organisation. Other viruses may be easier.
Apparently, large organisations like the NIH are foolhardy enough to publish dangerous data like this. I wonder if there’s some other justification, like “the data was already public, in such a way that it could not be removed”