Advances in gene editing technologies, by modifying organisms in the laboratory, are enabling the development of (potential) new strategies for disease and pest control. But such discoveries, such as new gene drives (designed to spread specific genes), raise questions about their safety and ethics.
The professor. Cinnamon Bloss, a professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the University of California San Diego said in his new study: “We recently expressed the need to establish a global registry of genetic projectsespecially before allowing any genetically modified organisms to be released into the environment.”
“Indeed, that could be a valuable tool to coordinate research, collect monitoring data and assess potential ecological impacts, so that transparent communication with stakeholders (community and public) can be facilitated”, he added.
For this reason, 47 experts from organizations from 14 different countrieswhich include national and local government agencies, international and non-profit organizations, universities and regulators, have advanced the idea that a registry could perform a valuable coordination and supervisory function, including in the context of the gene drive.
But what is this Gene Drive then? This particular terminology indicates a technique that genetically engineers organisms so that a particular set of genes is passed on to future generations. A complex scientific area, where professionals from many disciplines, industries and regions of the world provide the expertise needed to develop products that could eventually be used in public health efforts.
The same prof. Bloss explained that “previously, logs were seen as an improvement in transparencymaking information about experimental biotechnology or medical treatments publicly accessible”.
“Although, therefore, a project registry could similarly facilitate transparency in (gene drive) research, one of our main conclusions was that such an effort would first require a thoughtful and inclusive deliberation with potential end userssuch as scientists, government stakeholders and local communities”he added.
Dr. Cynthia Triplett, staff researcher at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, said: “Such a registry could also help government regulators promote the surveillance and monitoring of potential ecological and health risks“.
Staying on the subject, do you know that there are genes of happiness? Also, genes responsible for a widespread disorder have recently been discovered, do you know which one?
