AI biohazard hype must not divert attention from the real risks we face now

What happened: A Nature commentary by epidemiologist Saskia Popescu argues that focus on AI biohazard hype is diverting attention from present biosecurity risks, 25 years after the 2001 US anthrax Why it matters: The author says the US is no better prepared today, and that voluntary industry action cannot replace independent oversight of biomaterials, equipment, and private labs. Summary: Popescu calls for stronger safeguards on biomaterials and equipment plus sustained, coordinated governance, noting gaps in oversight of private labs and regulatory confusion over gain-of-function research.

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