Written by Wout Declercq, Yéelen Geairon, Carlos Bravo Navarro, Anaïs Quintart, Aris Vassiliou
Due to technological and scientific advancements of past decades, the possibilities to produce and modify pathogenic microorganisms seem limitless. Meanwhile, the technology and materials to produce and modify these bioagents have become increasingly accessible through the intxernet and on the open market. As demonstrated with the current global COVID-19 crisis, a new infectious disease can emerge unexpectedly and have the ability to wreak havoc in even the most advanced and resilient societies.