Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

In 2002, three microbiologists announced the artificial synthesis of poliovirus, provoking international outrage and concern that other deadly viruses could also be created. Years later, they look back on their work and discuss ethics, security, and the future of synthetic biology.

Pyongyang can say it is aggressively pursuing a uranium enrichment capability, but more than likely, it is selling the international community a bill of goods.

Although the evidence indicates that Myanmar hasn't achieved a nuclear weapon capability, its ever-tightening connection to Pyongyang and ongoing interest in dual-use technology must be constrained.

While interest in the friendship between North Korea and Myanmar has intensified in recent months, theirs is a partnership that dates back to the early 1960s.

The small yields of Pyongyang's 2006 and 2009 nuclear tests have left analysts wondering how the North designed its devices. One preeminent Chinese expert has a worrisome theory.

An IAEA-controlled nuclear fuel bank has stalled as developing states refuse to allow the agency to even consider proposals for it. To move forward, these states' justifiable concerns must be addressed.

Since the dawn of the nuclear age, nuclear energy advocates have dreamed of a reactor that could produce more fuel than it used. More than 60 years and $100 billion later, that vision remains as far from reality as ever.

Two important recent events—the signing of New START and the release of the Obama administration’s Nuclear Posture Review—will shape the configuration of the U.S. nuclear arsenal for years to come.