Description
Man-made viruses have been reality for some time now and there is a scientific discipline engaged in the study and engineering of viruses called synthetic virology. Live synthetic viruses have their entire genomes constructed from
synthetic viral genes, which are then assembled using various
methodologies to yield complete viral genomes.
In the lab, it is possible to create a much more contagious airborne version of some known viruses. So far this research have been controlled, but it is possible that man-made super virus can escape from the lab and causes the next global pandemic.
Scientists who conduct this kind of research argue that their labs,
which follow a set of safety procedures known at Biosafety Level 3, are
highly secure and the chances of a genetically engineered virus being
released into the general population are almost zero. However, terrorists, rogue states or conventional military powers could use
the published results of experiments like these to create a deadly
bioweapon.
