Artificial Life

At a regular meeting of the Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives considered the possible risks for artificial cells.
A week ago, an American biologist and expert in the field of genetic engineering, Dr. Craig Venter announced the successful receipt of a synthetic genome and using it to create an artificial self-replicating cells
According ScienceInsider, Venter and major experts in the field of synthetic biology and bioethics and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Sancho Panza, Anthony Fauci, discussed several issues relating to the potential benefits and risks associated with the development of synthetic biology.
As reported YuGA.ru previously been announced that the research work that Dr. Craig Venter, conducted since 1995, a success. Scientists first created an artificial cell, which functioned through implanted in her synthetic genome, was able to reproduce and possessed all the characteristics of normal living cells. The opening has created a new wave of ethical and legal disputes concerning the lawfulness of such manipulation of the genome, as well as issues of public safety.
In 1970 after the invention of recombinant DNA technology the National Institute of Health (NIH) established the Advisory Committee, which oversaw the work in the field of genetic engineering. And in mid-1980 the U.S. government decided that this aspect of science can operate without the regulator. In 2003, after the emergence of the issue of biological research that could be used for civilian or military objectives, the NIH convened a National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity to deal with these dual-use technologies.
Despite the fact that these organizations do not yet have jurisdiction in respect of synthetic biology, this will change soon, said Fauci. Currently, NIH is considering comments on the principles guiding the work in the field of synthetic biology, made last fall. It is expected that the new rules will be adopted in June this year.
Exit similar principles guide is a significant step in the direction of responsible behavior in the field of synthetic biology “, – said Venter. He also stressed that scientists have modified the genome of living organisms without any serious problems for nearly 40 years.
In the meantime, staff of the Centre Hastings in Washington, an expert in the field of bioethics Gregory Kebnik called for further analysis of whether current regulations sufficient to regulate the issue. “We should beware of excessive restrictions, however, need to understand all possible risks,” – he told the committee.
Also, the International Center for Technology Assessment and the international group Friends of the Earth asked the Congress to prohibit the release of synthetic organisms into the environment and their use in commercial terms. “It is time for the government to fully regulate all development in the field of synthetic biology” – they said.