Posted June 21, 2018
Synthetic biology could be a cornucopia of important developments or might harbour an unpleasant Pandora’s Box of surprises. These startling new genetic techniques have opened up a myriad of possibilities for altering – and maybe even creating or extinguishing – life forms. The Forum will be a place where experts could discuss such concerns. Of particular interest is a phenomenon called ‘gene drives’ in which the inheritance of certain genes is favoured. ‘SynBio’ offers means of manipulating gene drives and thus altering the character of whole species, even with the possibility of eliminating noxious ones. Who should decide such awesome matters? Read more.