On May 20, 2010, the J. Craig Venter Institute announced the production of the first living microorganism with a completely synthetic genome. Venter’s lab placed computer-created artificial DNA based on the microorganism’s natural DNA into the organism. This microorganism is currently able to self-replicate. Much of the buzz around this announcement announces that life has actually been made from square one, but Venter only developed a duplicate of what nature has actually produced over billions of years.
While this is a technological feat, it is far from producing life from square one. If anything, it highlights the difference in between our progressed capability to produce artificial life and our only basic understanding of the complexities of genes and the function DNA plays in producing life.
Venter’s experiment is a wake-up call to federal governments all over the world that synthetic biology must be managed to safeguard the environment and human health and wellness. Without correct safeguards in place, we take the chance of introducing unique living microorganisms right into the atmosphere that have the prospective to damage environments and threaten human health.
Pals of the Planet calls on the united state government to apply a postponement on the launch of synthetic organisms into the atmosphere till there suffices scientific basis on which to justify such tasks. The government must take into account the associated threats for the environment and biodiversity, in addition to the associated socio-economic ramifications. All artificial biology research that is moneyed with government cash has to complete a comprehensive ecological impact testimonial and all jobs must be evaluated by the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee.
Find out more about the threats of this innovation at our artificial biology web page
Extra Resources
- Statement from Buddies of the Earth, And So On Group, and the International Facility for Innovation Assessment to the House Energy & & Commerce Committee
- Buddies of the Planet arising technologies advocate Eric Hoffman on BBC Radio discussing Venter’s artificial life
- Pals of the Earth’s news release concerning Venter’s news
- President Obama’s contact us to evaluate artificial biology for its potential risks and benefits
- Sign up with the “Stop Synthetic Life!” Page on Facebook