Bioterrorists are coming!

Hypothetical terrorists have influenced the work of biotech companies<url>
Biotech companies providing services for the synthesis of certain DNA sequences have decided to take security measures in order to prevent possible bioterrorist attacks.

The NatureNews portal (Gene-makers form security coalition) writes about the measures taken to implement this task.

The service for the synthesis of DNA sequences of different lengths is extremely in demand in molecular biology. To study, in particular, the genes of certain organisms, scientists need to have their sequences "on hand". Theoretically, terrorists who want, for example, to get a certain dangerous virus can freely order the sequences necessary to obtain it.

To prevent such a threat, two large biotech companies – the German Geneart and the American DNA2.0 – joined a coalition and regulated their activities with safety rules. All sequences received by companies before the start of synthesis will be "punched" through existing genetic databases for matches with the genomes of potentially dangerous organisms. The sources of reconciliation used will include state databases of dangerous organisms. If such coincidences are found, the companies will have the right to refuse the synthesis service to the client.

Companies that are not part of the new coalition will have to decide whether to apply similar safety rules in their work or not. Many experts believe that in the near future, governments of various states can force biotech firms to use checks for potential threats.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru23.11.2009