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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations
Published on: February 3, 2023
Human Allele Frequency Distributions Contradict Current Narratives of Imminent Danger From Genetically Targeted
Subhayan Chattopadhyay1, Amanda Lehes1, Tony Ingesson1
1Subhayan Chattopadhyay, PhD, is an Assistant Researcher, Amanda Lehes is a Student Research Fellow, and David Gisselsson, MD, PhD, is a Professor, Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; Tony Ingesson, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences; all at Lund University, Sweden. Oscar Larsson, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Swedish Defense University, Sweden. Subhayan Chattopadhyay, Tony Ingesson, Oscar Larsson, David Gisselsson are all also Participants in the Greyzone Genomics Theme, Pufendorf Institute of Advanced Studies, Lund University, Sweden. David Gisselsson is also a Senior Consultat Pathologist, Clinical Genetics, Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Skåne University Hospital, Scania, Sweden.
Genetic bioweapons targeting specific ethnicities are unlikely due to limited genetic variation. However, misusing prescription drugs poses a more immediate ethnic targeting risk, warranting greater attention.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Bioethics
- Pharmacogenomics
Background:
- Concerns regarding genetic bioweapons, engineered pathogens targeting specific ethnic groups, are rising.
- These concerns link advances in genetic research, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology to potential future risks.
- Political narratives amplify fears of imminent danger from ongoing weapons development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of ethnically targeted bioweapons based on natural genetic variation.
- To evaluate the scientific basis behind the narrative of genetic bioweapons.
- To identify potential ethnic targeting risks associated with genetic variants.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed the distribution of 149 validated genetic variants influencing infection response across ethnic groups.
- Examined 136 genetic variants affecting human response to pharmaceutical agents.
- Assessed the specificity of variants for ethnic targeting.
Main Results:
- Only 3 genetic variants showed high specificity for ethnic targeting, linked to mild infections.
- In contrast, 6 variants affecting drug response were identified, associated with severe side effects in specific ethnicities.
- These findings suggest limited potential for targeted bioweapons but highlight risks in pharmacogenomics.
Conclusions:
- The threat of ethnically targeted pathogens (genetic bioweapons) appears exaggerated.
- Misuse of prescription drugs presents a more realistic and imminent risk for ethnic targeting.
- Further research and ethical considerations are needed regarding pharmacogenomic disparities and potential misuse.
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