Category Archives: Risk and risk management

Evaluating the Risks of Engineered Viruses and Bacteria, aka ‘Mirror Life’

Scientists seem unduly casual about the threats posed by engineered bacteria and viruses that are chemical mirror images of natural ones

As Biolabs Multiply Globally, Some Experts Worry About Oversight

India’s policymakers have ambitious plans for pathogen research. Can biolab safety infrastructure keep up?

The One-in-a-Thousand-Day Problem

AI’s ability to handle complexity and respond rapidly means future crises are likely to be much more sudden and vicious than those we have experienced so far.

For Science That Comes With Risks, a Key Question: Who Decides?

From pathogen research to geoengineering and AI, consequential science is accelerating. Whose hands are on the wheel?

In the Trump Administration Crosshairs: Cell Phone Radiation

In 2020, RFK Jr.’s nonprofit sued the FCC over 5G cell phone radiation safety. As HHS secretary, he’d have the power to upend the tech.

Access to PPE, a Critical Tool in Fighting Bird Flu, Is Mixed Across Dairy-Producing States, Records Show

States with confirmed dairy cattle bird flu cases have drastically different personal protective equipment responses, and most are failing.

Geoengineering Could Alter Global Climate. Should It?

Scientists and companies increasingly support blocking some sunlight to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Big Finance, Big Tech AI Titans Ride Next Wave of “Generative Biology”‘ Colonization at COP16

The COP16 biodiversity conference included Big Tech pushing black box “generative biology” AI-created DNA and related financial markets

The Dark Side of AI-Powered Synthetic Biology

Another warning about the dangers of AI-supercharged synthetic biology.

What Should You Do to Prepare for the Climate Change Storm?

Do you stand your ground or seek out a climate haven? Some resources to help you decide.

CrowdStrike Lessons: Liability Shields Fuel Risky Practices, Expert Warns

A discussion of the regulatory and behavioral issues that helped produce the Crowdstrike 404.

AI Financial Crises

Yes, Virginia, AI, like older forms of automated trading, has a nasty propensity to cause crises.

Suicide Squad: U.S. Troops Are Losing a War with Their Deadliest Enemy

Suicide is the leading cause of death for active duty and recently soldiers. The most likely contributor is not what you might suspect.