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AI Model Generates First Working Virus Genome From Scratch

Published 3 days ago • 6 min read

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Major Developments

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES

 

Scientists Use AI to Create First Fully Synthetic Virus From Scratch

Scientists at Stanford have used AI to design a new virus, Evo–Φ2147, which efficiently destroyed E. coli colonies in lab tests. The virus carries only 11 genes and cannot reproduce outside a host, but marks a milestone in genome design.

Experts say this breakthrough demonstrates that complete genomes can be created from scratch, potentially paving the way for entirely new organisms or even reviving extinct species in the future. (Read More)​

Pentagon Expands U.S. Base Commanders’ Authority to Counter Drone Threats

The Pentagon now classifies all unauthorized drone flights near U.S. military bases as surveillance threats, giving commanders increased authority to neutralize intrusions.

The guidelines emphasize a proactive approach and direct leaders to pinpoint vulnerabilities, conduct rigorous training exercises, and build a robust defensive posture to deter and counter aerial threats. Installation commanders are required to issue facility-specific operating procedures within 60 days. (Read More)​

NASA Plane Makes Belly Landing at Ellington Airport

A NASA WB-57 research aircraft made an emergency landing at Ellington Airport in Houston on Tuesday after its landing gear failed. Video footage shows the plane touching down on the runway with its landing gear retracted.

The pilot safely exited the cockpit, and NASA confirmed that all crew members are unharmed. The runway was temporarily closed as crews worked to remove the aircraft. NASA has not released further details about the mechanical issue. (Read More)​

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The Tear Line

QUICK UPDATES

CONFLICT UPDATES

➤ A soldier aligned with government forces was reportedly struck by a Kurdish drone in an SDF-controlled territory. Viral, unverified footage shows him filming himself seconds before the impact. (Read More)​

➤ The U.S. announced multi-day military exercises in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. Air Forces Central said the drills aim to demonstrate the ability to deploy, disperse, and sustain combat airpower across the CENTCOM area of responsibility. (Read More)​

➤ U.S. intelligence has informed President Donald Trump that Iran’s government is at its weakest since 1979. Reports point to Iran’s economic crisis, the regime’s failure to ease financial burdens on families, and a deadly crackdown on protesters as key factors eroding public trust in the regime. (Read More)​

SECURITY UPDATES

➤ The UK will expand its live facial recognition fleet from 10 to 50 vans under sweeping policing reforms. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the move, overseen by a national AI centre, will help forces track suspects, find vulnerable individuals, and deter crime. (Read More)​

➤ Human rights organization Rawadari said the Taliban have failed to fully prohibit physical, psychological, or sexual abuse of children under their new criminal code. Article 30 of the code criminalizes only severe injuries, such as broken bones or torn skin. (Read More)​

➤ Five duck hunters were rescued after their boat became trapped in ice on the White River in Dubois County, Indiana. Indiana Conservation Officers, assisted by local fire and EMS teams, deployed an airboat in subfreezing conditions to bring the hunters safely to shore. (Read More) ​

TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

➤ Hunterbrook Capital reported that U.S. technology company Ubiquiti Inc.’s long-range radio bridge antennas are reaching Russia despite export restrictions, enabling Russian military communications and drone operations. At least nine Russian units using the equipment have been accused of war crimes. (Read More)​

➤ The U.S. Coast Guard will begin using Jet Skis to enhance security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Earlier this month, Coast Guardsmen and Coast Guard Auxiliary members started training with the new equipment off the coast of San Diego, California. (Read More)​

➤ Gen. Stephen L. Davis said the B-21 Raider is on track for initial operations at Ellsworth AFB, with infrastructure on schedule. He described it as a “penetrating global strike platform” and confirmed it will initially be manned, with optional unmanned missions planned for the future. (Read More)​

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Special Interest

SPECIAL CATEGORY

➤ Last week’s interception of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the western Mediterranean highlighted France’s Commandos Marine, the navy’s elite maritime special forces. The unit carries out high-risk shipboardings, coastal raids, counterterrorism missions, and covert reconnaissance, often operating in areas beyond the reach of conventional forces.

➤ An essay in Small Wars Journal argues that U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) must master administrative terrain—the governance systems that shape operational environments and are often engineered by adversaries such as China. The essay notes that SOF can proactively influence these governance conditions before military action becomes necessary.

➤ U.S. troops from the 11th Airborne Division encountered four bears during parachute training in Ojojibara, northern Japan, amid a nationwide rise in bear sightings. Reports indicate that the soldiers used non-lethal methods, including bear spray and fireworks, to drive the animals away.

On this day in history: On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, killing all seven crew including teacher Christa McAuliffe, who won a competition to become the first ordinary civilian in space. A failed O-ring seal caused the disaster. NASA grounded shuttles for two years.
Special Interest

SENTIMENT COLLECTION

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think your smart devices are listening to your private conversations?

  1. Yes (92.6%)​
  2. Maybe/Unsure (5.5%)
  3. No (1.9%)
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Comms & Command Systems Instructor Defense Division Remote, US
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Intl. Humanitarian Security Officer Defense Division Worldwide
Interpreter Defense Division Remote, US
Security Director Defense Division Remote, US
Security Operations Chief Defense Division Remote, US
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Targeter Defense Division Remote, US
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SARs Development Director 100K - 120K Fort Lauderdale, FL

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About SOFX: We are an independent media and communications technology company reporting on the conflicts, security, and technology issues impacting your lives and businesses. SOFX was founded by former Special Operations & Intelligence Professionals not Career Journalists or Big Tech / Big Media.

Have feedback for us? We want to hear any and all comments you may have. Contact us at editor@sofx.com​.​

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