BlueDot Narrated

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.DNA synthesis represents the primary interface between the digital and physical worlds when it comes to synthetic biology - the point at which potentially hazardous information could become an actually dangerous piece of biological material. No national government legally mandates the screening of DNA synthesis orders, although members of the International Gene Synthesis Consortium voluntarily screen DNA synthesis orders and customers. This article briefly summarises the problem and recommends five potential policy areas for regulation.Original text: https://ifp.org/preventing-the-misuse-of-dna-synthesis/Author(s): Bridget Williams and Rowan KaneA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.This resource provides a brief introduction to some of the most common terms used in infectious disease epidemiology.Original text:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zUcRUXWFjIoRxx3wM35okua2hSLYaDW-lLboJa77tUg/edit#heading=h.rd77fsy9cdniAuthor(s):Joshua BlakeA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.There is a tension in the life sciences between scientific transparency and the need for secrecy to protect national or global security. This report introduces the term 'dual-use research of concern (DURC)' and covers debates from the last two decades over what information should be published.Original text:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK458495/Author(s): US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.As synthetic biology techniques develop and the barriers to entry become lower, we are increasingly seeing the development of privately-operated biological labs. These often enforce less stringent safety standards than those in academia, and can fall through the cracks of regulatory oversight. This article focuses on a recent example in California, emphasising the need for a unified regulatory system and increased federal oversight for these labs, especially those working with dangerous pathogens.Original text:https://time.com/6309643/invisible-biolabs/Author(s):Dan Greene and Jassi Pannu and Allison BerkeA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.This report covers the current landscape in pathogen early warning and biosurveillance, highlights challenges and identifies opportunities from emerging technologies. You will have the opportunity to dig deeper into some of the new technologies in the pre-class exercise and the optional readings.Original text:https://councilonstrategicrisks.org/toward-a-global-pathogen-early-warning-system/Author(s): A product of the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons, an institute of the Council on Strategic Risks. Authors: Natasha Bajema, Bill Beaver, Christine Parthemore, Adejare Atanda, Joanne Horn, David Manheim, Daniel Regan, Sid Sharma, Jacob Swett, and Nikki Teran. Edited by Christine Parthemore and Francesco Femia.A podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.Historically, the complexity and unpredictability of biology has meant most scientific progress in this field has come from slow and expensive trial-and-error experiments. This post explores three areas that are turning biology from trial-and-error into a precise engineering discipline and unlocking dramatic progress; deep learning on biological data, laboratory automation, and precision DNA editing.Original text: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/were-entering-a-golden-age-of-engineeringAuthor(s): Joshua March and Kasia GoraA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.This page gives a brief overview of the NIH's framework for guiding funding decisions on potentially risky research involving enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (ePPPs). Following the release of a report, 'Proposed Biosecurity Oversight Framework For The Future of Science' in early 2023, the US Government is reviewing the process for the oversight of ePPP research. This report and a response to it can be found in the optional resources section.Original text:https://www.nih.gov/news-events/research-involving-potential-pandemic-pathogensAuthor(s):National Institutes of HealthA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.Despite sharing a land border with China, Vietnam mounted one of the strongest early responses to COVID-19, reporting only 35 deaths by December 31, 2020, compared to 90,000 in the UK. This article highlights Vietnam's swift and proactive actions to detect and contain infections early in the pandemic. Key strategies included immediate border closures, extensive contact tracing, centralised quarantine, and clear, consistent government communication.Original text:https://ourworldindata.org/covid-exemplar-vietnamAuthor(s):Todd Pollack, Guy Thwaites, Maia Rabaa et al.A podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses."Cleaner indoor air can increase productivity, improve student outcomes, and prevent pandemics."Original text: https://ifp.org/indoor-air-quality/Author(s): Juan Cambeiro and Brian PotterA podcast by BlueDot Impact.

Audio versions of blogs and papers from BlueDot courses.Original text:https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-opinion-lessons-learned-from-covid-pandemic-global-comparison/Author(s):Bloomberg OpinionA podcast by BlueDot Impact.