Open AccessThe role of biosensors and biological weapons in national defence and security operations
Author(s) -
Umar Yahaya,
Muhammad Safwan Akram,
R.I. Abdullahi,
B.O. Adaaja,
G. Otiwa,
B.O. Odey
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nigerian journal of biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-1731
DOI - 10.4314/njb.v38i1.15
Subject(s) - biological warfare , microbiology and biotechnology , engineering , national security , biosafety , computer security , business , risk analysis (engineering) , political science , computer science , biology , law
The knowledge of biotechnology plays an important role in the development of biological weapons. Biological weapons are considered an attractive factor in war for several reasons: ease of manufacture, low cost, confirmed injury, increased number of victims, large losses incurred by other countries. Biological weapons detection methods are among the most important means of military defense. Biological sensors are used in early detection of weapons. Biotechnology is of paramount importance in all fields of medicine, engineering, agriculture, industry, as well as military life. The key applications of biotechnology in the military are in the areas of sensor systems and systems for protection from espionage. Among the most important countries that have applied knowledge of bioweapons technology into their security system are the USA and China. Despite the enormous advantages of biotechnology, it has negative effects in biological weapon production. Therefore, the near future will witness a tremendous boom in biotechnology. DNA profiling also plays an important role in detection of crime. The overall aim of the review is to emphasize the importance of biotechnology towards solving bioterrorism and other forms of security challenges in an environment.