"Recent advances in disciplines such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and neuropharmacology entail a "dual-use dilemma" because they promise benefits fro human health and welfare yet pose the risk of misuse for hostile purposes. The emerging field of synthetic genomics, for example can produce custom DNA molecules for life-saving drugs but also make possible the creation of deadly viral agents for biowarfare or terrorism. The challenge for policymakers is to prevent the misuse of these new technologies without forgoing their benefits. The book presents a "decision framework" for assessing the security risks of emerging technologies and fashioning governance strategies to manage those risks. This framework is applied to fourteen contemporary case studies, including synthetic genomics, DNA shuffling and directed evolution, combinatorial chemistry, protean  engineering, immunological modulation, and aerosol vaccines. The book also draws lessons from two historical cases: the development of the V-series nerve agents in Britain and the use and misuse of LSD by the U.S. Army and the CIA." -- Publisher description