Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens - Conventional Biological Warfare, Binary Weapons, Bacterial Virulence Plasmids, Designer Genes and Life Forms, DNA Shuffling, Stealth Virus Bioweapons

This interesting report has been professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction. The developmental trends in biological sciences indicate there is a plethora of possibilities concerning the study of microorganisms and its applicability in creating the next biological warfare agent. Both historical and recent events show the potentially devastating effect of using biological warfare agents and the terror they cause among the populace. Even more alarming is that technological advancements in the field of biological sciences will transform biological warfare agents into a new classification of genetically engineered pathogens eliciting catastrophic consequences. Nations, groups, and individuals that have the resources, capabilities, and knowledge to develop this technology in the year 2035 will have the global arms race advantage.

Just as the twentieth century was the "century of chemistry and physics," the twenty-first century will emerge as the "century of biology." It will forever change how living organisms will be viewed because of the biotechnological revolution in altering and replacing genetic materials. Biotechnology has already transformed scientific applications in the fields of medicine, agricultural, and other biological industrial areas. The term is defined as the "fusion of biology and technology .it involves the use of industry recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), cell fusion, and new bioprocessing techniques," such as human genome sequencing. Human genome sequencing was first considered in the mid 80s. In 1988, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Health funded a Human Genome Project (HGP), a 15-year project with a target completion date of 2005. With the rapid technological advancement and international participation, the project was completed in 2003. Since then the number of human gene manipulations and new findings of significance to the advancement of medicine have soared. Biotechnological-related patents have also increased tenfold in 24 years and continue growing at an exponential rate.

The "bright side" of advancements in biotechnology is offering great promise in improving human health, combating diseases, and promoting a better quality of life. But, for every "bright side" there is an opposing "dark side." Biotechnology, when used maliciously or negligently, can destroy human life. Advanced biotechnology, in particular genetically engineered pathogens such as viruses, and bacteria, could become a potential choice for use as biological warfare agents. Imagine, a suicide bomber going through the airport security system. With sensors employed in terminals, chances are this suicide bomber has a good chance of being detected and detained. Now, imagine the same individual going through the airport security system but instead of having a bomb he was injected with a genetically engineered virus capable of transmitting a highly virulent disease that could be triggered at a time chosen by the perpetrator.

Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens * I. Introduction * II. Conventional Biological Warfare * III. Advanced Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens * IV. What Will Make Genetically Engineered Pathogens A Plausible Choice As A Bioweapon * V. Drag/Friction Points * VI. Summary And Analysis *VII. Conclusion