108. Sequence and Desist: Aclid's Kevin Flyangolts On Safeguarding the Bioeconomy

Kevin Flyangolts joins Erum and Karl to talk about the evolving landscape of biosecurity. They discuss the rapid advancements in biotechnology, the growing accessibility of synthetic DNA, and the need for robust screening systems to ensure safety in the bioeconomy. Kevin shares knowledge from his software background, explaining how tools like those at Aclid Bio are bridging gaps in security, protecting against potential misuse, and setting the stage for future innovations in biotech. With reflections on government initiatives, industry collaboration, and the complexities of ethical biosecurity practices, this conversation showcases the urgent issues and exciting possibilities in the intersection of biology and technology.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverything

Chapters:


00:00:00 - Opening with Unchecked DNA Risks

00:00:22 - Drones, Aliens, and the Unknown

00:01:45 - The Biotech Holiday Buzz

00:04:18 - Manufacturing the Future: A Revolution Begins

00:07:05 - DARPA’s Wild Moonshot Ideas

00:09:47 - What Keeps Us Up at Night

00:11:55 - Meet Kevin: Biosecurity Pioneer

00:15:30 - The Software Revolution in Biotech

00:19:45 - Tackling Biosecurity Challenges with Innovation

00:24:58 - Regulations in a Rapidly Changing Field

00:28:59 - Red Teams and Hidden Vulnerabilities

00:39:04 - Building Biotech Trust and Collaboration

00:44:21 - A Vision for Safer Biotech

00:46:59 - Wrap-Up and What’s Next in Biosecurity


Episode Links:


Aclid Bio

Genspace

ECHO NYC

Biolabs@NYULangone

Quorum Bio

The Department of Defense under the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) made 34 awards worth over $60 million. Awardees include Cauldron and Checkerspot.


Topics Covered: 

biosecurity, DNA synthesis, BIOSECURE Act, computer science

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