Killer robot litmus test
Iran elections | Gain of function | Russia’s nuke count
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June 7, 2021
NUCLEAR RISK
Opinion: Iran elections and the nuclear deal
Iranian politics are becoming increasingly chaotic as the country prepares for the upcoming presidential election. But no matter who wins, Tehran is keen to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Read more.
BIOSECURITY
Are ‘gain of function’ experiments self-fulfilling prophecies?
Are experiments to manipulate already-dangerous pathogens worth the risk of accidental lab escape? Leaks are not unheard of, one happened in 1977, Dr. Martin Furmanski wrote in 2014. Read more.
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Detecting killer robots
There’s no dispute that a Turkish drone was used in an attack in Libya. What’s harder to determine is whether it was operating autonomously. Read more.
Show your style
There is still time to submit your T-shirt designs commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Bulletin’s Doomsday Clock. This Threadless competition is looking for serious, irreverent, or informative art that reimagines the iconic image or inspires people to Turn Back the Clock. Deadline is June 11.
NUCLEAR NOTEBOOK
Russia’s nuclear warhead stockpile
Presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin are expected to talk about arms control following the extension of New START, a nuclear arms reduction treaty, at their June 16 meeting in Geneva. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Russia’s nuclear warheads arsenal. Read now.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“What’s clear is this drone was used in the conflict. What’s not clear is whether the drone was allowed to select its target autonomously and whether the drone, while acting autonomously, harmed anyone.” — Zachary Kallenborn, “A.I. Drone May Have Acted on Its Own in Attacking Fighters, U.N. Says” New York Times
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