快猫短视频

A GROUP of 鈥渄esigner DNA鈥� companies is stepping up security to counter fears that terrorists could order the genes needed to make a deadly virus.

In 2005, 快猫短视频 reported that some gene synthesis companies were not checking their orders for potentially dangerous DNA sequences. Since then, the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has called for better screening.

Now the Industry Association of Synthetic Biology (IASB) says that its members will carry a seal of approval on their websites confirming that they do screen their orders. This is to encourage researchers to order DNA only from these companies, and put pressure on the minority of firms that cut costs by not screening to change.

鈥淐ompanies will display a seal of approval confirming that they screen their DNA orders鈥�

IASB members will cooperate to improve the software used to identify suspicious orders and will set up a secure database detailing which DNA sequences make pathogens highly virulent. 鈥淭he fact that they鈥檙e going to share their experiences is really important,鈥� says Stephen Maurer, a lawyer at the University of California, Berkeley, who helped write the industry guidelines.

Weapons Technology 鈥� Keep up with the latest innovations in our cutting edge .

GM Organisms 鈥� Is GM the future? Learn more in our continually updated special report.