Oak Ridge National Laboratory released software that decodes microbial defense mechanisms, cutting a key microbe‑engineering workflow from about a week to hours. The tool automates steps to bypass restriction systems and other barriers, accelerating strain construction for biofuels, bioproducts, and the broader bioeconomy. The software aims to lower technical barriers for designing custom microbes, improve throughput for synthetic biology projects, and shorten iteration cycles. Developers note the platform could enable faster commercialization timelines for industrial biotechnology while underlining the need for responsible use and biosafety oversight.