Perils of biological warfare and bioterrorism

Biological warfare and bioterrorism raise terrifying possibilities with the power of living organisms and toxins generated to inflict harm. Imagine weaponized viruses, engineered for maximum lethality and contagiousness, unlike anything humanity has seen before.

Advances in genetic engineering have considerably heightened the possibility of weaponized viruses engineered for maximum lethality and contagiousness, unlike anything humanity has seen before. Scientists can now sequence and manipulate the genetic code of viruses and have the capacity to potentially create new diseases or modify existing ones to spread faster or cause much more severe illnesses.

The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus, is a stark reminder of the immense disruption a natural virus can cause. While the exact origins of the virus are still under investigation, the possibility of a lab leak or accidental release re-emphasizes the need for robust biosafety protocols.

Biological warfare doesn’t require a super-soldier virus; even naturally occurring diseases, meticulously weaponized for dispersal, could wreak havoc. Thankfully, international treaties like the Biological Weapons Convention exist to prevent the development and stockpiling of such bioweapons.

However, ongoing research and the potential for misuse necessitate continued vigilance. We must invest in strong global biosecurity measures and ensure international cooperation and responsible scientific conduct to prevent the nightmare of biological warfare from becoming a reality.

Bioterrorism is intentionally releasing viruses, bacteria, or other biological agents to cause harm to all living beings. Unlike biological warfare used between nation-states, bioterrorism is often perpetrated by individuals or groups seeking to spread fear or record a political victory.

In 2001, weeks after the September 11 attack in the United States, anthrax spores were mailed to media outlets and government buildings, resulting in five deaths. A Japanese doomsday cult attempted to use biological agents like botulinum toxin on multiple occasions in the 1990s, thankfully without causing widespread casualties.

These incidents highlight the chilling potential of bioterrorism. Unlike nuclear weapons, biological agents can be relatively easy to acquire or cultivate. Early detection, rapid response, and robust public health measures are essential to handling the effects of a bioterror attack.

We must invest in global biosecurity measures, ensure international cooperation, and promote responsible scientific conduct to prevent the nightmare of biological warfare from becoming a reality Science and technology have immense potential to address health challenges, but the benefits must be balanced against the risks of overuse, resistance, and the unintended consequences of rapid innovation.

The health sector needs to ensure the prudent use of medicines, invest in new treatment modalities, promote healthy lifestyles, and be prepared for emerging diseases. Public trust in science and the healthcare systems can only be strengthened through transparency, open communication, community engagement, and preventing dealing strongly with misinformation.

Scientific and technological advances must always promote the wellbeing of all individuals and communities.

 

(Excerpted with permission from BluOne Ink from Genome to Om: Evolving Journey of Modern Science to Meta-science)