Kevin Flyangolts joins Erum and Karl to talk about the evolving landscape of biosecurity. They discuss the rapid advancements in biotechnology, the growing accessibility of synthetic DNA, and the need for robust screening systems to ensure safety in the bioeconomy. Kevin shares knowledge from his software background, explaining how tools like those at Aclid Bio are bridging gaps in security, protecting against potential misuse, and setting the stage for future innovations in biotech. With reflections on government initiatives, industry collaboration, and the complexities of ethical biosecurity practices, this conversation showcases the urgent issues and exciting possibilities in the intersection of biology and technology.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Opening with Unchecked DNA Risks
• 00:00:22 - Drones, Aliens, and the Unknown
• 00:01:45 - The Biotech Holiday Buzz
• 00:04:18 - Manufacturing the Future: A Revolution Begins
• 00:07:05 - DARPA’s Wild Moonshot Ideas
• 00:09:47 - What Keeps Us Up at Night
• 00:11:55 - Meet Kevin: Biosecurity Pioneer
• 00:15:30 - The Software Revolution in Biotech
• 00:19:45 - Tackling Biosecurity Challenges with Innovation
• 00:24:58 - Regulations in a Rapidly Changing Field
• 00:28:59 - Red Teams and Hidden Vulnerabilities
• 00:39:04 - Building Biotech Trust and Collaboration
• 00:44:21 - A Vision for Safer Biotech
• 00:46:59 - Wrap-Up and What’s Next in Biosecurity

Episode Links:

• Aclid Bio
• Genspace
• ECHO NYC
• Biolabs@NYULangone
• Quorum Bio
• The Department of Defense under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) made 34 awards worth over $60 million. Awardees include Cauldron and Checkerspot.

Topics Covered: 

biosecurity, DNA synthesis, BIOSECURE Act, computer science

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Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

Music by: Nihilore

Production by: Amplafy Media