Labmade smallpox is possible, study shows: Reconstitution of horsepox virus from mail-order DNA reignites synthetic biology debate.

The article discusses the synthetic biology concerns raised by a study led by virologist David Evans in which horsepox virus was synthesized from DNA fragments ordered online and delivered by mail. Topics include virologist Gerd Sutter's suggestion about the possibility of using the same strategy with the smallpox virus, the criticism of the study by biodefense expert Gregory Koblentz and the argument of bioethicist Nicholas Evans about the implication of synthesizing smallpox-related viruses.