Library Subscription: Guest
Ethics in Biology, Engineering and Medicine: An International Journal

ISSN Print: 2151-805X

ISSN Online: 2151-8068

SJR: 0.123

Relevance of Genetic Resources Governance to Synthetic Biology

Volume 5, Issue 2, 2014, pp. 161-183
DOI: 10.1615/EthicsBiologyEngMed.2015013272
Get accessGet access

ABSTRACT

In discussions of how to address synthetic biology within the Convention on Biodiversity, concerns have been expressed that synthetic biology is currently unregulated and that proceeding with work in the area is unethical unless a strict precautionary approach is applied to it. International governance of genetic resources is extensive, and because most of the inputs into and outputs from synthetic biology can be classified as genetic resources, it is clear that this is not an unregulated field. Existing rules may, however, need adaptation or guidance on their interpretation in this context and some additional rules may be needed. This article therefore examines the extent to which existing rules cover concerns associated with synthetic biology as an emerging technology, identifying any gaps and problematic areas. It will focus particularly on two areas: deliberate or unintentional release of synthetic genetic resources into the environment (including coverage of potential misuse), and ownership, access, and benefit sharing. It will argue that in areas that are well covered by existing regulations, proceeding with work in synthetic biology is not unethical, but that there are areas that need further consideration by the international community in relation to both synthetic biology and other novel and/or converging technologies.

CITED BY
  1. Rourke Michelle, Access and benefit‐sharing DNA Componentry for plant synthetic biology: Bioparts expressed in plant chassis, PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, 4, 1, 2022. Crossref

Latest Issue

Heroics at the End of Life in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care: The Role of the Intensivist in Supporting Ethical Decisions around Innovative Surgical Interventions Mithya Lewis-Newby, Emily Berkman, Douglas S. Diekema, Jonna D. Clark Transplantation for Older Patients with Hematologic Malignancies in 2021: Uncertainty and Ethics in Decision-Making H. Joachim Deeg Exploring the Hippocratic Oath: A Critical Look at Medicine's Oldest Surviving Guide to Medical Ethics D. John Doyle All Sore Eyes and Beasts: Spiritual Care Providers' Role in End-of-Life Existential Distress Debra Josephson Abrams, David B. Brecher, Douglas W. Lane The Ethics of Technology Development and Technology Use David W. Chambers Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: A Narrative Review Aaron T. Hui, Shawn S. Ahn, Carolyn T. Lye, Jun Deng The Goods of Health Care Wade L. Robison The Ethics of Observing Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Betty Y. Chen, Brendan C. Stack A Sampling of Engineering Ethics Conundrums Intended for Classroom Discussion D. John Doyle Toward a Better Understanding of Risk-Taking in Medical Decision Making David S. Dinhofer, Shweta Agarwal Ethical Issues Involving the Development of COVID-19 Vaccines: Role of Vaccine Development, Clinical Trials, and Speed of Peer Review in Dissuading Public Vaccine Hesitancy Leisha M. A. Martin, Gregory W. Buck Autonomy and Addictive Design Stephen Scales Ethical Implications with the Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry Neekita Saudagar, Rafia Jabeen, Pallavi Sharma, Sean Mong, Ram M. Vaderhobli Meeting Report: 9th International Conference on Ethics in Biology, Engineering, and Medicine Subrata Saha, Pamela Saha Index, Volume 12, 2021
Begell Digital Portal Begell Digital Library eBooks Journals References & Proceedings Research Collections Prices and Subscription Policies Begell House Contact Us Language English 中文 Русский Português German French Spain