Safeguarding Mail-Order DNA Synthesis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.

IF 0.5 Q4 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Applied Biosafety Pub Date : 2024-06-20 eCollection Date: 2024-06-01 DOI:10.1089/apb.2023.0020

Stephanie Batalis, Caroline Schuerger, Gigi Kwik Gronvall, Matthew E Walsh

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools continue to be developed and used within the life sciences. The impact of these tools on the biosecurity landscape surrounding mail-order DNA synthesis and how to address the impacts have not been critically examined in the literature.

Methods: The impacts of AI-driven chatbots and biological design tools on the biosecurity landscape surrounding mail-order DNA synthesis were analyzed and described. The findings are informed by the authors' experience in the field.

Results: Generally, chatbots lower barriers to access of information that could be misused while biological design tools may provide new abilities to users with the intent of misuse. Six recommendations to the United States Government that attempt to maximize the benefits of these new technologies while mitigating risks are provided.

Conclusion: Mandating mail-order DNA synthesis providers to screen DNA synthesis orders is a critical safeguarding step that should be taken as soon as possible. Over time, biological design tools will reduce the effectiveness of such a regulation and actions should be taken now to limit the negative impacts in the future.

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在人工智能时代保护邮购 DNA 合成。

导言：人工智能（AI）工具在生命科学领域不断得到开发和使用。这些工具对围绕邮购 DNA 合成的生物安全环境的影响以及如何应对这些影响，文献中还没有进行批判性研究：分析并描述了人工智能驱动的聊天机器人和生物设计工具对邮购 DNA 合成的生物安全环境的影响。结果：总体而言，聊天机器人降低了邮购 DNA 合成的门槛：一般来说，聊天机器人降低了获取可能被滥用的信息的门槛，而生物设计工具则可能为用户提供新的能力，意图造成滥用。本文向美国政府提出了六项建议，试图最大限度地利用这些新技术，同时降低风险：强制要求邮购 DNA 合成提供商对 DNA 合成订单进行筛查是一项关键的保障措施，应尽快采取。随着时间的推移，生物设计工具将降低这种法规的效力，现在就应采取行动，限制未来的负面影响。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Biosafety Environmental Science-Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

CiteScore

2.50

自引率

13.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Applied Biosafety (APB), sponsored by ABSA International, is a peer-reviewed, scientific journal committed to promoting global biosafety awareness and best practices to prevent occupational exposures and adverse environmental impacts related to biohazardous releases. APB provides a forum for exchanging sound biosafety and biosecurity initiatives by publishing original articles, review articles, letters to the editors, commentaries, and brief reviews. APB informs scientists, safety professionals, policymakers, engineers, architects, and governmental organizations. The journal is committed to publishing on topics significant in well-resourced countries as well as information relevant to underserved regions, engaging and cultivating the development of biosafety professionals globally.