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Synthetic Biology: funders move to address social and ethical challenges (Nanowerk, 6/9/08) |
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June 09, 2008 |
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The report of an independent review of social and ethical
challenges associated with research into, and the application of, synthetic
biology, is published today (June 9). The report, commissioned by the
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's (BBSRC) Bioscience for
Society Strategy Panel in the UK,
is part of its programme to ensure that BBSRC adequately addresses issues
raised by this rapidly emerging area of science and technology. Embargoed
copies of the report are available upon request (see contact details below).
Synthetic biology seeks to apply the principles of
engineering to biological systems and processes. Scientists believe that it may
lead to new applications, such as new energy production systems, medical
therapies, biological computers and innovative ways to clean up hazardous
waste. In common with other modern technologies, it is potentially
controversial because it raises issues of ownership, misuse, unintended
consequences, and accidental release.
The report, 'Synthetic Biology: social and ethical
challenges', has been written by Andrew Balmer and Paul Martin of the Institute
for Science and Society, University of Nottingham, a leading research centre
working on the impact of new technology. It reviews what synthetic biology is,
where it has come from, and where it is going, as well as making recommendations
to research funders and the scientific community about how social and ethical
issues should be addressed. These include…
Read the full article here.
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Last Updated ( June 18, 2008 )
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