80,000 Hours Podcast #164 – Kevin Esvelt on cults that want to kill everyone, stealth vs wildfire pandemics, and how he felt inventing gene drives
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Oct 2, 2023 In this conversation, Kevin Esvelt, a biologist at MIT Media Lab and inventor of CRISPR-based gene drive, explores alarming bioweapon threats and the nuances of engineered pandemics. He stresses the risks posed by stealth viruses that go unnoticed until it's too late. The potential benefits and ethical dilemmas of using gene drives for disease control are also highlighted. Esvelt discusses technological solutions like UVC light for infection prevention and the vital need for robust biosecurity as we advance in synthetic biology.
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Focus on Transmissibility
- Instead of mass production, focus on transmissibility when engineering pandemics.
- Infecting a small group is enough to trigger a pandemic with a highly transmissible virus.
Focus on New Pathogens
- Scientists focus on new pandemic-capable pathogens to develop proactive defenses.
- This research carries the risk of providing information to malicious actors.
Stealth Pandemic Scenario
- A stealth pandemic, like a respiratory HIV, could spread undetected for years.
- This poses a unique challenge due to the long latency period.