This week’s Pandora Report covers the creation of the National Bioeconomy Board, reports of HPAI infections in cattle in multiple states, a new PBS public health docu series, new professional opportunities, and more.
Biodefense PhD Student Presents Research at 2024 Preparedness Summit
Kimberly Ma, a PhD student in the Biodefense Graduate Program, recently presented her research at the 2024 Preparedness Summit in Cleveland. She told the Pandora Report a bit about it, saying “This week, I had the fortune to once again attend the Preparedness Summit in Cleveland. This was my third time attending, but this time, instead of as a public health worker, I came in my personal and Ph.D. student capacity to present my poster “Bioterrorism Risk Communications: Where Are We Now?” and a session born out of a peer-reviewed article in Health Security that I wrote with preparedness leaders across the country, “Reimagining Incident Management Systems for Public Health Responses.”
Read more about her experience here.
White House Launches National Bioeconomy Board
The White House recently announced that it is launching the National Bioeconomy Board to help manage the economic impact of biotechnology and biomanufacturing. In a blog post for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Sarah Glaven, OSTP’s Principal Assistant Director for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, Industrial Innovation, explained “Biotechnology harnesses the power of biology to create new services and products, which provide opportunities to grow the U.S. economy and workforce and improve the quality of our lives and the environment. This week, the Biden-Harris Administration took an important step toward realizing the potential of biotechnology for the U.S. economy by launching the National Bioeconomy Board. The Board will work with partners across the public and private sectors to advance societal well-being, national security, sustainability, economic productivity, and competitiveness through biotechnology and biomanufacturing.”
The same blog explains that “The National Bioeconomy Board is co-chaired by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Department of Commerce (DOC), and the Department of Defense. The Board also includes representatives from nine additional federal departments and agencies: The State Department, National Science Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Justice, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Board members represent the variety of biotechnology and biomanufacturing stakeholders across the federal government, including departments and agencies that promote economic development, sponsor fundamental research, facilitate technology commercialization, focus on safety and security, and engage in workforce training.”
The creation of the Board accompanies the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and CHIPS and Science Act as part of the administration’s Investing in America agenda, which aims “…to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, bolster national security, and build a sustainable economy for all Americans. The strategy is catalyzing investment in the bioeconomy: since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, private companies have announced over $20 billion in biomanufacturing investments.”
Bird Flu Detected in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico
On March 25, USDA officials reported cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico were sick with what is presumed to be the H5N1 influenza virus that has already killed millions of birds. These cattle infections are spoiling milk and causing disease in older animals, with some impacted farms also reporting that dead birds have been discovered on their property, potentially explaining the source of the cattle infections. A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a Minnesotan goat earlier this month, marking the first US livestock case of a disease that very rarely spreads between mammalian species.
An article for Science News explains that “Gregory Gray, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch, calls the new detections in cows across multiple states a “worrisome” development because it may signal this bird flu strain is spreading directly between cattle, instead of via birds, and has mutated in ways that could allow it to better infect people. But preliminary studies on the affected cows show no signs that the virus has changed, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories said in a statement yesterday.”
The threat to the public is still considered low, though human cases have been reported recently in Cambodia and Vietnam.
“National Road Map to Invest in RNA Science and Biotechnology”
This write-up from Global Biodefense breaks down a recent report from the National Academies that “charts a course for developing technologies and infrastructure that would enable the determination of any epitranscriptome of scientific and public interest.” The write-up explains in part “Currently, without knowing the exact composition of all RNA molecules that derive from each gene, researchers’ ability to understand the molecular underpinnings of health and disease is severely limited. Every cell in every organism has a different set of modified RNA molecules that make up its epitranscriptome. Epitranscriptomes are constantly changing as cells develop and respond to their environment. RNA can act as an indicator about a patient’s health, is a potential pathway for delivering treatments, and provides real-time information about what is changing and happening in an organism.”
“Charting a Future for Sequencing RNA and Its Modifications: A New Era for Biology and Medicine”
From the National Academies: “Concerted efforts to deepen understanding of RNA modifications and their role in living systems hold the potential to advance human health, improve crop yields, and address other pressing societal challenges. RNA, which carries the information encoded by DNA to the places where it is needed, is amazingly diverse and dynamic. RNA is processed and modified through natural biological pathways, giving rise to hundreds, in some cases thousands, of distinct RNA molecules for each gene, thereby diversifying genetic information. RNA modifications are known to be pivotal players in nearly all biological processes, and their dysregulation has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases and disorders. Yet, our knowledge of RNA modifications remains incomplete, hindered by current technological limitations. Existing methods cannot discover all RNA modifications, let alone comprehensively sequence them on every RNA molecule. Nonetheless, what is known about RNA modifications has already been leveraged in the development of vaccines that helped saved millions of lives worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. RNA modifications also have applications beyond health, for example, enhancing agricultural productivity.”
“Charting a Future for Sequencing RNA and Its Modifications: A New Era for Biology and Medicine calls for a focused, large-scale effort to accelerate technological innovation to harness the full potential of RNA modifications to address pressing societal challenges in health, agriculture, and beyond. This report assesses the scientific and technological breakthroughs, workforce, and infrastructure needs to sequence RNA and its modifications, and ultimately understand the roles RNA modifications play in biological processes and disease. It proposes a roadmap of innovation that will make it possible for any RNA from any biological system to be sequenced end-to-end with all of its modifications – a capability that could lead to more personalized and targeted treatments and instigate transformative changes across various sectors beyond health and medicine.”
“Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures”
From the National Academies: “At the request of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the National Academies convened a committee to examine lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and mpox multi-country outbreak to inform an evaluation of the state of smallpox research, development, and stockpiling of medical countermeasures (MCM). In the resulting report, the committee presents findings and conclusions that may inform U.S. Government investment decisions in smallpox MCM readiness, as well as the official U.S. position on the disposition of live viral collections at future World Health Assembly meetings.”
Bonus: Read Mary Van Beusekom’s discussion of this report for CIDRAP
“Ten Years of High-Consequence Pathogens—Research Gains, Readiness Gaps, and Future Goals”
McQuiston, Montgomery, and Hutson recently published this commentary article in Emerging Infectious Diseases, explaining in part: “Despite successful variola virus eradication, orthopoxviruses remain high-consequence pathogens that create complex control challenges. During 2014–2024, reports of mpox caused by MPXV surged in regions where the virus is enzootic. During 2017–2022, increased reports of mpox in Nigeria initially raised little concern, even though mpox was diagnosed in occasional travelers from Nigeria who had no history of animal contact (9). In May 2022, MPXV clade II began circulating person-to-person globally, primarily through sexual contact among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (10). Thanks to smallpox preparedness work performed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners, regulatory agency-approved diagnostics, the JYNNEOS vaccine (https://www.jynneos.comExternal Link), and TPOXX therapeutic agent (SIGA Technologies, https://www.siga.comExternal Link) were available in some countries; however, limited early supplies of the JYNNEOS vaccine and lack of licensure in some countries meant the vaccine was not accessible to all persons at risk for MPXV exposure. Before the global mpox outbreak, no real-world efficacy data for TPOXX was available; clinical trials are ongoing. After the mpox outbreak peak in 2022, MPXV has continued to circulate at low levels through 2024; since 2022, >90,000 cases have been reported worldwide (11). Since 2023, similar surveillance signals have been seen in DRC with MPXV clade I (12), raising concerns for another global mpox outbreak caused by a more lethal virus clade.”
“The Impact of Vaccines and Behavior on US Cumulative Deaths from COVID-19”
This Brookings summary of a paper authored by Andrew Atkeson and Stephen Kissler offers insight into potential approaches to addressing shortfalls in how the federal government manages massive amounts of public health data and the importance of both vaccines and behavioral changes in reducing overall COVID-19 deaths. The summary explains in part, “However, the authors write in “The Impact of Vaccines and Behavior on U.S. Cumulative Deaths from COVID-19,” the ad hoc effort’s effectiveness came as a surprise. Public health officials could not precisely target mitigation because they lacked precise information on the routes and mechanisms of the disease’s transmission.”
“Awaiting a Decision On New Research Regulations, Scientists Pen Dueling Articles to Shape ‘Gain-of-Function’ Policies”
Matt Field breaks down the scientific community’s responses to recommendations made by the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity last year in this article for The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, writing in part “As they await a decision on policies for potential pandemic pathogen research, dueling camps of scientists have emerged, weighing in through a journal article, responses to the article, and even responses to the responses. Those camps are seeking to undercut or boost the advisory recommendations developed in the wake of the COVID pandemic—and to bolster or diminish the suspicion that a lab accident could have caused it.”
“Ecological Countermeasures to Prevent Pathogen Spillover and Subsequent Pandemics”
Plowright et al. recently published this article in Nature: “Substantial global attention is focused on how to reduce the risk of future pandemics. Reducing this risk requires investment in prevention, preparedness, and response. Although preparedness and response have received significant focus, prevention, especially the prevention of zoonotic spillover, remains largely absent from global conversations. This oversight is due in part to the lack of a clear definition of prevention and lack of guidance on how to achieve it. To address this gap, we elucidate the mechanisms linking environmental change and zoonotic spillover using spillover of viruses from bats as a case study. We identify ecological interventions that can disrupt these spillover mechanisms and propose policy frameworks for their implementation. Recognizing that pandemics originate in ecological systems, we advocate for integrating ecological approaches alongside biomedical approaches in a comprehensive and balanced pandemic prevention strategy.”
“To Prevent Global Catastrophe, Governments Must First Admit There’s a Problem”
Rumtin Sepasspour and Courtney Tee recently published this piece in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists discussing political inaction on perceived risks of global catastrophe, writing in part “To properly prevent and prepare for the risk, governments must admit there’s a problem. Such an admission can only come with proper effort to assess and monitor global catastrophic risk, develop potential future scenarios, build and analyze intelligence, and invest in scientific and technical expertise.”
“Bibliometric Analysis of China’s Non-Therapeutic Brain-Computer Interface Research: Alternate Paths to Cognitive Augmentation and Control”
From CSET: “China’s brain-computer interface research has two dimensions. Besides its usual applications in neuropathology, China is extending the benefits of BCI to the general population, aiming at enhanced cognition and a “merger” of natural and artificial intelligence. This report, authored in collaboration with researchers from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London uses bibliometric analysis and expert assessment of technical documents to evaluate China’s BCI, and conclude that the research is on track to achieve its targets.”
“Russia’s Increasing Illegal Chemical Weapons Usage in Ukraine”
Tim Mak, Alessandra Hay, and Oksana Ostapchuk cover an interview with a survivor of a 2013 sarin gas attack in Syria and how inaction afterward has emboldened leaders like Vladimir Putin to use these weapons more frequently in this piece for The Counteroffensive. Warning: this article does contain graphic content.
“VX Nerve Agent Incident: Lessons Learned, Best Practices, and the Challenges Ahead”
From CBNW Magazine: “The 2017 VX nerve agent incident in Malaysia stands as a poignant demonstration of the catastrophic capability of asymmetrical chemical weapon threats, underscoring the critical necessity for increased attentiveness in averting and addressing such risks, writes Dr. Raja Subramanian.”
“CHEMEX Africa 2023: Interview with H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, P.R. of Algeria to OPCW”
From CBNW Magazine: “Taking place from September 23 to October 5, 2023, in the Algerian capital of Algiers, CHEMEX Africa was the first ever large-scale chemical emergency response exercise for African countries organized by the OPCW. CBNW Magazine Editor Patrick Norén spoke to the Permanent Representative (P.R.) of Algeria to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, about the exercise and Algeria’s commitment to implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). A full article on CHEMEX Africa containing extracts from this interview will be published in April.”
Read here.
What We’re Watching 🍿
The Invisible Shield
A new four-part docu series from PBS, “The Invisible Shield examines how public health makes modern life possible, but it is underfunded, undervalued and misunderstood putting our health at risk.”
Strem this series here.
NEW: The Future of U.S. Bulk Data Sharing and Use
From BIO-ISAC: “On February 28, 2024, the White House issued an Executive Order on Preventing Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and United States Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern.”
“The Executive Order (EO) seeks to secure sensitive data from being shared with individuals, companies, and investors outside the US, particularly those connected to countries that may harm the US or its people.”
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) also issued a fact sheet and advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding the proposed guidance and implementation strategies in the text.
- What does this mean for the bioeconomy?
- How has industry responded to this call for action?
- What does this mean for the future of data sharing collaborations and research?”
“This collaborative discussion, with the BIO-ISAC community and representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, will share an overview of the EO and ANPRM, explore the intent and efforts connected to these actions, and offer a Q&A session to review specific examples, pinch points, and ideas.”
This discussion will take place on April 5 at 12 pm EST. Learn more and register here.
NEW: EBRC & NIST Sequence Screening Virtual Workshop #1
From ERBC: “Synthetic DNA enables life sciences research that can be applied to pressing societal challenges across many sectors, but could also be used in the development of biological parts, systems, or organisms that cause great harm to human, public, or environmental health. Many companies that produce and sell synthetic DNA screen ordered sequences to prevent customers from inappropriately accessing Sequences of Concern (SOCs). This project aims to improve DNA synthesis screening by enabling the development of better tools and mechanisms for screening performance evaluation.”
“This will be the first workshop in the series. Additional virtual workshops will be held over the next six months, with an in-person meeting to be held in the fall. More details to come.”
This event will take place on April 9 at 1 pm EST. Learn more and register here.
NEW: The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series
From PNNL: “Join us as we welcome Patrick Chain, scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). His talk, titled “Toward Pathogen-Agnostic Detection: Advances and Challenges in Shotgun Sequencing-Based Biosurveillance” will be Tuesday, April 16, at noon PT.”
“Patrick Chain leads the Metagenomics Applications, Bioinformatics, and Analytics Teams in the Bioscience Division at LANL, while also co-managing the Division’s Genomics Program. His team pioneers innovative algorithms and methods in bioinformatics and metagenomics, applying them to various research areas such as organism detection, sample characterization, and fundamental research across different ‘biomes’. With a background including a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from McMaster University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, Chain brings a wealth of expertise to the field.”
“The Advancing Threat Agnostic Biodefense Webinar Series brings together like-minded science and policy members of the biodefense community to discuss relevant research activities as well as barriers and enablers of a threat agnostic approach. The webinar series is hosted by the Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technology Division.”
Register here.
Artificial Intelligence and Automated Laboratories for Biotechnology: Leveraging Opportunities and Mitigating Risks
From the National Academies’ Board on Life Sciences: “Please join us April 3-4, 2024 for a hybrid workshop on the opportunities and mitigation of risks of the use of artificial intelligence and automated laboratories (i.e., self-driving labs) for biotechnology.”
“The workshop will consider opportunities to leverage AI and laboratory automation capabilities for discovery and development, explore methods and approaches to identify, track, and forecast the domestic and international development of such technologies, and convene experts across sectors to highlight recent advances and explore implications for the development and use of these technologies.”
Learn more and register here.
Launch of the 2024 National Blueprint on Biodefense
From the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense: “On the 10th anniversary of its inception, the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense will release its 2024 National Blueprint on Biodefense: Immediate Action Needed to Defend Against Biological Threats.”
“Please join us for this momentous event at the Congressional Auditorium, Capitol Visitor Center, on April 17th at 4:30pm.”
“The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense (formerly the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense) was established in 2014 to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of United States biodefense efforts and to issue recommendations that foster change. Subsequently, the Commission has briefed White House Administrations (including then Vice President Biden); testified before Congress; convened numerous meetings with experts; released 12 reports; produced the graphic novel Germ Warfare; and mobilized biodefense conversations and actions in the private and public sectors.”
Learn more and register here.
Addressing the Challenges Posed by Chemical and Biological Weapons: Intensive Online Introductory Course for Students of Technical Disciplines
“SIPRI and the European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium (EUNPDC) invite graduate and postgraduate students of the technical or natural science disciplines to apply for an intensive online introductory course on chemical and biological weapons—their proliferation, the efforts to eliminate them, the various mechanisms used to control their spread—and endeavours underway to reduce the risk of chemical or biological agents in terrorist attacks. The course will take place online, during four half-days on 28–31 May 2024, 14:00 to 18:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST).”
“The course will cover the fundamentals of chemical and biological weapons as well as of missiles and other means of delivery; the history of chemical and biological warfare; the evolution of international norms against these weapons; the threats associated with potential terrorist uses of chemical and biological material; bioweapons and other related scientific advances; the current challenges posed by chemical weapons; arms control treaties; and mechanisms to curb the spread of dangerous substances, including export controls.”
“The course will also discuss the role of the EU institutions and industry to address the challenges mentioned above. The course will be instructed by renowned experts on non-proliferation, arms control, disarmament, export controls, verification and related subjects from SIPRI, other European research centres, think tanks and international organizations.”
Learn more and apply 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.”
SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology, and Biosecurity Conference in Africa
“Join us for the SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity Conference in Africa, a groundbreaking event that brings together experts, researchers, and enthusiasts in the field of synthetic biology. This in-person conference will take place at the Laico Regency Hotel from Wed, Jul 17, 2024 to Friday, Jul 19, 2024.”
“Get ready to dive into the exciting world of synthetic biology and explore its potential applications in Africa. From cutting-edge research to innovative solutions, this conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.”
“Discover the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in synthetic biology through engaging keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where ideas flow freely and new connections are made.”
“Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in synthetic biology, this conference provides a platform to expand your knowledge, exchange ideas, and contribute to the growth of the field in Africa.”
“Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that promises to shape the future of synthetic biology and biosecurity in Africa. Mark your calendars and join us at the SBA.3 International Synthetic Biology and Biosecurity Conference in Africa!”
Learn more and register here.
Job Announcement: George Mason University, Research Faculty, Infectious Diseases
“The Institute for Biohealth Innovation harnesses the collective talent of more than 300 GMU faculty and staff and thousands of students across 34 academic departments. The IBI connects Mason researchers with potential collaborators, both within the university and externally, to take on some of biohealth’s biggest challenges.”
“The Biomedical Research Lab (BRL), is a core facility overseen by the Institute. The 52,000 square-foot regional biocontainment laboratory (RBL) was established in 2010 as one of 12 NIAID-funded RBLs to support infectious disease research and foster collaborations with other national and global laboratories. It operates as a central core facility to advance research and develop novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against viral and bacterial infectious agents by a diverse population of internal and external investigators. The facility is capable of housing multiple species and has a variety of established animal models, with an emphasis on aerosolized exposures. The BRL is fully approved and licensed for work by the CDC and USDA and is accredited by AAALAC.”
“The research faculty will join a collaborative team that works on bacterial or viral pathogens relevant to human and animal disease. The research foci are within broad fields including but not limited to immunology and immunity in disease, host-pathogen interactions, cellular microbiology, biochemistry, animal imaging and pathology, aerobiology, and countermeasure development (diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics). The incumbent will work with a diverse team of internal and external investigators including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate and graduate students, and industry professionals. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting research, providing training and mentorship, disseminating findings, and contributing to grant proposals to advance infectious disease research and countermeasure development.”
Learn more and apply here.
CEPI Calls for Experts to Join Its Scientific Advisory Committee
From CEPI: “CEPI’s call for new individuals to join its Scientific Advisory Committee, or SAC —an external expert group providing guidance and recommendations to CEPI on R&D programmes and broader outbreak response efforts—is now open through 9 April 2024.”
“CEPI is recruiting global health professionals with extensive experience across relevant scientific and product development disciplines to join its SAC, and is particularly interested in applicants from Latin America and Africa; female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.“
“Successful applicants’ scientific input, guidance and challenge will be critical in the continued implementation of the CEPI 2.0 strategy, which aims to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biological countermeasures to tackle emerging infectious diseases and enhance global preparedness for future threats.”
“New members’ terms will last three years, starting in June 2024, with the first face-to-face meeting taking place in Rio de Janeiro from 31 July to 1 August. Virtual participation will be made available for anyone unable to travel at this time.”
“Interested individuals can apply using our online form linked here.“
The Pandora Report 