: Experts from the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense argue that natural pandemics, like COVID-19, are as much a biodefence concern as intentional attacks [9, 10].
: Advances in synthetic biology and AI have lowered the bar for creating lethal, novel pathogens in laboratories [2, 19]. biodefence
Historically, biodefence emerged from the shadows of offensive biological weapons programs [31, 35]. : Experts from the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense
: Modern strategy aims for an " Apollo Program " for biodefence: a world where we can detect and neutralize any biological threat in days, not years [10]. : Modern strategy aims for an " Apollo
The story of biodefence is a shift from the horrors of biological warfare to a complex, modern race against pathogens—both natural and man-made . It is a narrative defined by moments of sudden crisis, like the 2001 anthrax attacks , which transformed biodefence into a permanent pillar of national security [11, 21]. The Turning Point: Amerithrax
For a deeper dive into the history and potential future of these threats, the graphic novel Germ Warfare: A Very Graphic History provides a visual walkthrough of these "microscopic weapons" [4].