This week covers the Biden administration’s formal move to suspend funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the introduction of multiple health security-related bills in the US House and Senate. Recent publications and several new upcoming events are also included.
Administration Suspends Funding for Wuhan Institute of Virology
The Biden administration announced this week that it has suspended funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), stating in a memo from the Department of Health and Human Services that the Institute ““is not compliant with federal regulations and is not presently responsible…”
Science Insider reports “A nine-page HHS memo made public by a House of Representatives subcommittee that’s investigating the pandemic’s origin suspends and proposes debarment of the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) “from participating in United States Federal Government procurement and nonprocurement programs.” In effect, this bars WIV from receiving U.S. government funding now and possibly ever. The memo says the suspension is necessary “to mitigate any potential public health risk.”’
However, the memo does not allege the WIV had anything to do with the start of the pandemic. The same piece explains “The new memo focuses on WIV’s disclosures around mouse experiments it conducted as part of the 5-year grant that EcoHealth received from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 2014 to study the risk of coronaviruses in China moving from bats to humans, possibly through animals sold at wildlife markets. EcoHealth subcontracted with WIV to conduct some of the research, including studies in mice with coronaviruses isolated from bats…HHS does not allege that the experiments created SARS-CoV-2, but faults WIV for refusing to share its laboratory notebooks and electronic files related to the experiment.”
Congress Introduces Two Bills Aimed at Protecting Bio and Health Security
Rep. Anna Eshoo and Sen. Edward J. Markey introduced bills this week aimed at improving American health security. Including the Health Impacts of Nuclear War Act and the Securing Gene Synthesis Act. The latter “would direct HHS to assess the uncertainties, risks, costs, and benefits of different regulations of gene synthesis products, and to require gene synthesis providers to enact screening protocols for their gene synthesis products. The legislation would also mandate any federal agency or entity receiving federal funds that buys gene synthesis products to only purchase them from suppliers who are compliant with screening regulations. Gene synthesis is a widely used technique to create DNA for applications such as research and drug production. However, there is increasing concern that gene synthesis could be used to create pathogens capable of causing a new pandemic. Requiring synthesis companies to screen their products would protect the public from dangerous synthetic DNA, while still allowing for scientific and industrial uses. The Securing Gene Synthesis Act is supported by the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Federation of American Scientists, and the Institute for Progress.”
‘“This proposed legislation is a pivotal chance to both reduce the risks posed by gene synthesis while at the same time ensuring that responsible companies are not disadvantaged by doing the right thing. Many leading U.S. gene synthesis companies already voluntarily screen orders and customers, but they now bear costs that other less responsible companies don’t have to carry. By making this screening a requirement, both for the companies that make these products and for the users of these products in the U.S., Congress can reduce the risks that dangerous viruses will be made from scratch and can strengthen the U.S. economy in the process,” said Dr. Tom Inglesby, Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.”
Sen. Markey (along with Sen. Ted Budd) also helped introduce the Artificial Intelligence and Biosecurity Risk Assessment Act alongside the the Strategy for Public Health Preparedness and Response to Artificial Intelligence Threats Act. The former was also introduced in the House by Rep. Eshoo and Rep. Dan Crenshaw. It “…requires the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to conduct risk assessments and implement strategic initiatives to address potential threats to public health and national security due to technical advancements in artificial intelligence or other emerging technology fields, including open source artificial intelligence and large language models.”
‘“As we navigate the emerging landscape of technology and its impact on public health and national security, the introduction of the Artificial Intelligence and Biosecurity Risk Assessment Act marks a crucial step toward identifying and addressing major new risks,” said Dr. Inglesby. “By establishing a proactive approach to address novel threats stemming from artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the bill aims to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of innovation while prioritizing the safety of the public. I want to commend this legislation as a very important tool in the efforts to shape a secure and resilient future.”‘
“Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing-Expanding Capabilities, Participation, and Access: Proceedings of a Workshop-In Brief”
“On March 6-8, 2023, at the Francis Crick Institute in London, the UK Royal Society and Academy of Medical Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine, and UNESCO-The World Academy of Sciences held the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing. A follow-up to earlier international summits held in Washington, DC, in 2015 and in Hong Kong in 2018, the third summit examined scientific advances that have occurred since the previous summits and the need for global dialogue and collaboration on the safe and ethical application of human genome editing. The first two days of the summit focused largely on somatic human genome editing, where the cells being altered are non-reproductive cells – as a result genetic changes cannot be passed on to future generations. The third day of the summit broadened the discussion to include heritable human genome editing, in which genetic changes could be passed on to descendants. This publication highlights the presentations and discussion of the event.”
“Policy Pathways to Combat the Global Crisis of Antimicrobial Resistance”
From the American Society for Microbiology: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a top public health threat and national security issue, projected to cause 10 million deaths by 2050. As antimicrobial resistance grows, it will create increasingly complex challenges in the hospital, the lab, on the farm and in communities. A multifaceted problem like AMR requires a multidimensional approach, and microbiologists must be a part of the solution.”
“Policymakers need to understand the key components to tackling AMR and carefully coordinate policies to save lives. This report lays out clear, science-based solutions that, if taken together through a One Health framework, will address this problem from every angle. As the leading organization advancing the microbial sciences, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has identified areas where policies should be strengthened, emphasizing the role that microbiology plays in assessing the challenges and creating solutions. This paper aims to provide concrete action steps that policymakers, working together with microbiologists, can take to turn the tide.”
Read more from this report here.
ASM’s Briefing on the Antimicrobial Resistance Policy Paper
“Moderated by Colleen Kraft, M.D., MSc; ASM’s immediate past president and Associate Chief Medical Officer, Emory University Hospital, this panel promises to provide engaging discussion of the critical issues facing the U.S. as we ramp up efforts to combat AMR.” This panel will take place on July 21 at 12 pm EST. Learn more and register here.
Solving the Puzzle: Biological Intelligence and Information Sharing
“As the biological threat continues to evolve, biological intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination activities must increase to keep pace with the advances of our adversaries. At this upcoming meeting, the Commission intends to further explore the expanding nature of the biological threat, the federal biological intelligence enterprise, and information sharing with non-federal governments.”
This in-person event will be held from 10:30 am-3 pm EST on July 27. Learn more and register here.
Encouraging Congressional Action on Dual-Use Bioscience Research of Concern
“Rapid advances in modern bioscience and biotechnology hold the promise of a future that is more resilient to disease, food insecurity, and environmental instability and that also fosters a thriving U.S. bio-economy. However, these advances may increase the chances of a deliberate or accidental event with national and global consequences. Congress and others must act on dual-use research of concern to ensure a safer future.”
“Join NTI’s Global Biological Policy and Programs (NTI | bio) for the lunchtime event: “Encouraging Congressional action on dual-use bioscience research of concern,” featuring” Dr. Gerald “Gerry” Parker and Dr. Jaime M. Yassif.”
“Drs. Parker and Yassif will discuss issues in emerging bioscience and biotechnology, such as the need to mitigate the risks of dual-use research with dangerous pathogens without stifling innovation, and the biosecurity risks posed by artificial intelligence enabled bio-design tools. NTI | bio Senior Director and former Congressional staffer Dr. Nathan A. Paxton will moderate the discussion. This invitation is transferable.”
This event will take place on July 25 at 12 pm EDT in 2044 Rayburn House Office Building. Register here.
PNNL-The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series: Advances in Functional-Based Assays for Detection of Novel Pathogens
“Functional assays exploit host-pathogen interactions as the basis of pathogen detection and often rely on detecting host responses during infection. Common pathogenic traits assessed may be produced by the pathogen itself (e.g., toxin production) and by the interaction of the pathogen with the host (e.g., cell death). Unlike conventional detection methods that target specific microbial sequences, functional assays are based on pathogen strategies used during the infection process. Platforms for high-throughput functional characterization have been elusive due to the challenge of creating an integrated system for pathogen extraction, interrogation, and assessment. Here, the development of an end-to-end pipeline for discovery of pathogenic features and detection of pathogens in real-world environmental samples will be discussed.”
This event will take place on July 25 at 12 pm PT. Register here.
In-Person Event (July 26): Demystifying Russia’s Tactical Nukes and Raising the West’s Nuclear IQ
“Since the early days of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has consistently employed various means of nuclear blackmail in an effort to push Kyiv, and its Western supporters, to the negotiating table. Vladimir Putin and other government officials have not shied away from feigning nuclear strikes in an attempt to manage any escalation on the frontlines. Most recently, Moscow announced that it would station some of its tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory. And while it remains unclear how these nukes might be used and even who will have control over them, these developments have raised considerable alarm in Kyiv and many Western capitals.”
“These concerns are all the more warranted following Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, which has had catastrophic effects for the environment and populations in the surrounding region. This act in turn has effectively compromised the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), as the water level for the nuclear reactors’ cooling ponds runs dangerously low. Moreover, reports are growing that Russian forces have mined the ZNPP as well as the Crimean Titan chemical plant, potentially in preparation for explosions similar to what transpired with the dam.”
“Given these recent provocations, it is critical for Western policymakers to understand the true probability for the Kremlin to resort to tactical nuclear weapons, as well as what affect they would have on Ukraine and its neighbors. Furthermore, the West must demonstrate a strong resolve to Putin in dissuading the Russian leader from seriously considering such a move. As such, The Jamestown Foundation is proud to host the in-person event “Demystifying Russia’s Tactical Nukes and Raising the West’s Nuclear IQ” on Wednesday, July 26, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. The event will feature a panel of Russian and nuclear experts consisting of Dr. Phillip A. Petersen, Lt. Col. Jim Gifford, Col. (ret.) Sam Gardiner, Dr. Francesca Giovannini, and Admiral (ret.) Ihor Kabanenko. The panel will be moderated by Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges and Jamestown President Glen E. Howard will offer introductory remarks.”
Learn more and register here.
Summer Certificate Course on Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Trade: A Focus on the Americas
“The University for Peace (UPEACE), the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC) at the George Mason University, and the Anti-Illicit Trade Institute (AITI) are pleased to offer the second edition of the online Summer Certificate Course on Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Trade: A Focus on the Americas.”
“The course aims to improve students’ comprehension of the dynamics of transnational organized crime, focusing on money laundering, corruption, illicit trade, security, trade zones, state fragility, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). The main objective of the course is to identify how different types of crimes impact the capacity of the state to manage and mitigate internal and external threats. The course will also push participants to think about organized crime from a more nuanced perspective, specifically as an aspect of social conflict, emphasizing that the challenges for promoting peace are embedded in local, regional, and global contexts. Students will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.”
Learn more and register here.
61st ISODARCO Course: Nuclear Order and International Security after Ukraine
“The war in Ukraine has had an enormous impact on global security, reviving nuclear fears, undermining the prospects for arms control, and shattering many of the norms and constraints that were the foundation of European security. ISODARCO 2024 will examine the global nuclear order in light of the Ukraine war, focusing on the states, the policies and the technologies that will shape the future in a much more difficult environment. How will we cope with this more dangerous world?”
This course will take place January 7-14, 2024, at the University of Trento. Learn more and register here.
Registration for GHS 2024 Now Open
Registration is now open for the Global Health Security 2024 conference in Sydney, Australia. This iteration will take place 18-21 June, 2024. The call for abstracts is also still open. “The mission of the Global Health Security conference is to provide a forum where leaders, researchers, policy-makers, and representatives from government, international organisations, civil society, and private industry from around the world can engage with each other, review the latest research and policy innovations, and agree solutions for making the world safer and healthier. To that end, our mission is to help foster a genuinely multidisciplinary community of practice that is committed to working collaboratively to enhance global health security and eliminate disease, irrespective of its origin or source.”
Now Hiring: Chief Strategy & Bioeconomic Development Officer
“BioMADE is now hiring a Chief Strategy & Bioeconomic Development Officer (CSBO) to be responsible for creating, communicating, executing, and sustaining BioMADE’s strategic initiatives to advance the U.S. bioeconomy. This leader is responsible for understanding and developing BioMADE’s strategic priorities and affecting positive change across the domestic and global bioindustrial economy. In collaboration with the leadership team, this individual focuses on the long game by driving the development and implementation of strategic plans to ensure that BioMADE activities align with long-term goals.”
Learn more and apply here.
7th Annual Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition Open for Applications
“The seventh annual Next Generation for Biosecurity Competition is now open. NTI | bio, along with the Next Generation for Global Health Security (GHS) Network (NextGen), the iGEM Foundation, 80,000 Hours, SynBio Africa, and the Global Health Security Network (GHSN), hosts this competition to provide a platform for the next generation of global leaders in biosecurity to produce and present original research to the wider biosecurity community.”
“Applicants for the 2023 competition should design a policy proposal that promotes biosecurity-by-design as a way to bolster emerging bioeconomies. Competition judges seek innovative and creative papers focused on safeguarding science and technology development against misuse by promoting responsible innovation in countries with emerging bioeconomies…”
“Winners of the Biosecurity Competition will be awarded the following:
- Online publication of their paper on the NTI website
- The opportunity of travel to, attend, and present during a side event at a prestigious international biosecurity event, such as the Biological Weapons Convention Meeting of States Parties”
Learn more here.
Weekly Trivia Question
You read the Pandora Report every week and now it’s time for you to show off what you know! The first person to send the correct answer to biodefense@gmu.edu will get a shout out in the following issue (first name last initial). Our question this week is: How did the Ames strain of B. anthracis gain its misleading name?
Our question last week was “What were 18th century British officers in India and other tropical areas prescribed to prevent malaria infections?” The answer is quinine, which was commonly made into the well-loved gin and tonic. Read more about this in Layla Eplett’s work for Scientific American.
The Pandora Report 