Work

Assembling unregulated DNA segments bypasses synthesis screening: regulate fragments as select agents

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: U.S. select agent regulations ignore easily assembled DNA fragments, making synthesis screening ineffective regardless of accuracy. We acquired unregulated DNA collectively sufficient for a skilled individual to generate 1918 influenza from dozens of providers, demonstrating that fragments must be regulated as select agents.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67955-3

Authors: Rey Edison, Shay Toner, Kevin M. Esvelt

Institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Media Lab

Language: English

Topic: Global Security and Public Health

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990

Funders: National Science Foundation, Open Philanthropy Project