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

Edison, Rey; Toner, Shay; Esvelt, Kevin M · Nat Commun · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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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.