Synthetic biology research has great potential to heal and great potential to destroy.
Synthetic biology combines science and engineering methodologies to create new biological systems and functions not found in the natural environment. The emerging trend of applying the principles of genetic engineering to modify existing life forms or generate new ones has fomented heated international debates. People on both sides of the issue make very strong arguments to support their positions.
The Great Potential of Synthetic Biology Research
No one can deny that synthetic biology research holds great promise and potential across a broad spectrum of fields including medicine, agriculture, and industry. Scientists have had some success in producing biofuels from synthetic organisms. Another promising application resulting from the generation of new life forms is bioremediation of pollutants’environmental clean up. Researchers claim that synthetically engineered microorganisms have potential to produce vaccines far more rapidly than traditional methods and can produce bio-engineered drugs that target cancer tumors, killing them without damaging healthy tissue as occurs with chemotherapy and radiation therapies.
The Moral and Ethical Implications of Synthetic Biology Research
Introducing a new life form, whether deliberate or accidental into earth’s fragile, complex and highly interdependent ecosystem could have devastating effects on all naturally occurring organisms. Engineered microorganisms, like those occurring naturally, have the ability to replicate and adapt to a variety of environmental conditions. One valid concern is that one or more of these organisms may accidentally escape the laboratory and reproduce out of control. Deliberate release of organisms that scientists generated for applied purposes may inadvertently cause damaging side effects. Many who vigorously oppose this type of research fear that potentially deadly synthetic organisms may fall into the hands of terrorist groups and rogue nations.
Considerations
The field of synthetic biology has progressed rapidly, while keeping a low profile and staying out of the consciousness of the general public. Consequently, there was no one around to debate the ethical and moral implications of such research. Many think that things have moved too far ahead to impose a moratorium on the research, even if it seemed warranted. Additionally, unlike other advanced methodologies and disciplines, this discipline has no regulatory oversight and has operated within the confines of cloistered laboratories. A considerable number of discoveries and new technologies with great potential to address societal needs also have significant potential to harm and even destroy life and ecosystems. The answer lies not in halting research in these areas of study, but by taking the initiative to author and implement policy and security measures meant to mitigate the potential for harm.
Your Turn
What measures and policies can the scientific community adopt to reduce potential for the misuse of discoveries borne out of the exciting new field of synthetic biology? How can the scientific community assure the public that their research protocols and methodologies adequately follow these measures and policies?
By Samantha Gluck All Media Freelance, LLC
Samantha Gluck owns All Media Freelance, LLC where she works as a freelance health care journalist. Launched in 2011, the business has grown rapidly, requiring she add four staff writers to the AMF team. Gluck's work is featured in numerous prestigious publications, including the Houston Chronicle and the newly launched Balanced Living Magazine.Visit website | More posts by Author
Thomas, thank you so much for your input and take on the implications of this new and emerging field. While all the potential pitfalls of developments borne out of synthetic biology research are valid concerns, I find myself at a moral crossroads due to the almost inconceivable potential to heal disease and similarly devastating societal ills. Must we not responsibly pursue this field that can produce technologies that completely change how we think of cancer, AIDs, and other devastating diseases -- technology that removes the terminal nature associated with these and other ills? Some provision must exist that the scientific community can adopt so that these game-changing developments can become a reality for the suffering. These provisions must come with severe penalties for abuses of the technology and for deviating from safe and secure protocols set in place to prevent the realization of these possible dangers.
Glad you asked. There are three things of concern when it comes to the future if any for synthetic biology. 1.Unintended release of bioform into environment 2. Rough government(s), &/or terrorists 3. The mad scientist. These are all valid points, but not the primary detriment to the advancement of synthetic biology. Take a look at what is happening in the field of NanoTechnology and you will see the results that synthetic will take when, further advanced, becomes feasible to market these discoveries. As it is now our social structure fosters research within government, colleges & universities, private & public enterprises. We are unable to control & protect all segments of society from a science that verges on the "God" like ability to create a new life form. Any discoveries made in synthetic biology will immediately be look upon as to the monetary benefit it will attain. From your college professor who needs more research money, to the corporation who wants to make a profit. Include with that a certain amount of secretcy when dealing with the public, which is already a cloud covering the developments of NanoTechnology. Synthetic biology is a unique science, as I said "A God like ability to create new life forms", and it needs to be segregated from the social system that we have in place at the moment. Restrict it's research & development, as we did with the Manhattan Project. If needbe will can always dip into our bag of tricks at a later time when mankind is more mature and wiser, if ever.