BiosecurityBiosecurity: Do synthetic biologists need a license to operate?
Advances in gene editing technology and the drop in costs make it possible for individuals to perform more sophisticated molecular biology experiments in private spaces. This hobby attracts a variety of people and has been hailed as a way to democratize genetic engineering. A few recent stunts raise concerns about what are the hazards of individuals with gene-editing capabilities.
A recent article in New York Times about DIY biology and biohacking sparked a vigorous discussion about biosecurity and regulation of synthetic biology.
The article starts with the rather sensationalist title, “As D.I.Y. Gene Editing Gains Popularity, ‘Someone Is Going to Get Hurt’.” In it Emily Baumgaertner explores DIY biology, with a particular take on security. Through personal stories and particular incidents, this story has a particularly negative tone, essentially portraying DIY biology as risky towards the practitioners and the society.
Advances in gene editing technology and the drop in costs make it possible for individuals to perform more sophisticated molecular biology experiments in private spaces. This hobby attracts a variety of people and has been hailed as a way to democratize genetic engineering.
However, a few recent stunts such as attempting to self-edit to increase muscle content or gene-edit to reduce HIV virus content raise concerns about what are the hazards of individuals with gene-editing capabilities.
A more dangerous scenario would involve the—intentional or unintentional—creation of or modification of human pathogens (as shown by the reconstruction of a horsepox virus using commercially available DNA). Professor George Church, who was quoted in the New York Times article, warns that it is straightforward to enhance pathogens, and he mentions that “anyone who does synthetic biology should be under surveillance, and anyone who does it without a license should be suspect.” Professor Drew Endy responded in a light tone, creating a “Synthetic Biology License Generator”. But should you really need a license to do synthetic biology experiments?
