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The emerging field of "synthetic biology" holds great promise for producing new medicines, cleaning up the environment, and providing alternative energy sources and other benefits, but the U.S. government needs to take precautions to ensure that laboratory-made microbes do not cause unexpected catastrophes, the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has concluded in its first report (read the executive summary).
The 188-page report, released Thursday, was praised by advocates of the technology, independent bioethicists and others. But it was criticized by those seeking tougher protections and tighter government oversight of the controversial field. President Obama requested the study after the Rockville-based J. Craig Venter Institute had announced in May the creation of the first "synthetic cell."
"Synthetic biology, as exemplified by the creation of the first synthetic genome to be injected into a living cell, is a significant breakthrough that holds out great promise," said Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania and head of the 13-member commission. "We have an unprecedented opportunity to recommend to the government that its oversight be ongoing but that it not...
The 188-page report, released Thursday, was praised by advocates of the technology, independent bioethicists and others. But it was criticized by those seeking tougher protections and tighter government oversight of the controversial field. President Obama requested the study after the Rockville-based J. Craig Venter Institute had announced in May the creation of the first "synthetic cell."
"Synthetic biology, as exemplified by the creation of the first synthetic genome to be injected into a living cell, is a significant breakthrough that holds out great promise," said Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania and head of the 13-member commission. "We have an unprecedented opportunity to recommend to the government that its oversight be ongoing but that it not...