| Popis: |
The rapid advancement of synthetic biology along with the rapid emergence of technology has, and continues to provide, widespread benefit to humanity. While this advancement has been responsible for advanced medical treatments as well as environmental sustainability, there is inherent risk associated with some research attributed to synthetic biology. The benefit/risk trade-off, however, has raised uncertainty in both the scientific community and among world leaders and policy makers. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased concerns, globally, about dual-use and gain-of-function research. While benefits may ensue, unpredictable outcomes and unintended consequences could have a disastrous impact on the world. The potential harm an engineered biological organism could have on the global community presents a significant threat to the security of the United States. While some progress, in terms of processes and procedures, has been made to reduce potential harm, there is still further need for uniform regulation and oversight. An organism that has been engineered utilizing synthetic biology must not introduce a biological risk that produces a global threat. Civilian, Phoenix Fire Department Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited. |
