The Many Uses of DNA
Synthetic biologists are meeting this week at the Life Engineering Symposium in San Francisco to discuss ways to break down cells into their components for use in building new organisms, computers, medicine, and other non-biological devices. Some of the creations they’ve already succeeded in making and some they’re dreaming of:
- Polio virus and another smaller virus from the assembly of genes available for purchase from biotechnology companies
- World’s smallest computer using DNA to calculate mathematical functions
- Organisms to produce alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ethanol
- New malaria drug by removing genetic material of the E. coli bacterium and replacing it with genes from wormwood and yeast.
- Microbes that will produce novel or rare drugs
- New biological weapons - like deadly viruses that lack natural foes
Ethical issues abound over the proper use of synthetic biology to do good or evil.
“There are a cascade of ecological issues,” said Laurie Zoloth, a bioethics professor at Northwestern University. “Synthetic biology is like iron: You can make sewing needles and you can make spears. Of course, there is going to be dual use.”
San Jose Mercury News, August 18, 2005
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