Creating Viruses Rapid advances in the field of molecular and cellular biology h

Question

Creating Viruses

Rapid advances in the field of molecular and cellular biology have unwillingly unleashed the potential for creating viruses and bacteria more virulent than nature's worst. In the summer of 2002, Researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook described the first de novo biochemical synthesis of a virus, based on published gene sequence information and using "off the shelf" commercially available DNA material. After they pieced together genetic sequences to form a full-length poliovirus, they successfully replicated and translated this material cell-free in test tubes. The resulting nucleic acids and proteins were then able to assemble spontaneously into fully infectious viral agents. The scientists began their work from genetic blueprints that exist in the public domain, that is, in published journal articles and on internet databases.

The ability to manufacture an infectious agent from scratch using preexisting, published knowledge is an unsettling development. The theoretical possibility that current knowledge could permit the creation of potential agents of biological warfare generated intense media interest around the world. As a result of studies like that at Stony Brook, an ethical debate has arisen over whether such research should be pursued, and if so, whether the details of such research should be published. Some argue that the pursuit and publication of such research unwittingly aids would-be terrorists; others argue that the dissemination of information is necessary for the effective sharing of research within the scientific community and for science to progress.

In this discussion assignment, tell us (in 250-300 words) which side of the debate do you support and why.

Explanation / Answer

The advances in the genetic engineering and the technology that enables the scientists to create potentially viable viruses and other microorganisms. This opens a wide range of serious questions that need answers. The creation of these viable virulent viruses and bacteria can lead to health risks and environmental problems. If the developed bacteria or virus gets escaped by any means and starts proliferating excessively can cause environmental hazard as well as certain health risks. if this happens in any case, there is a possibility that the health risks that come into the picture cannot be assessed and treated by our doctors. This will lead to human threat and can cause an epidemic.

The second possibility of creating distress is that if the terrorist organization or individuals who are involved in such activities will lead to a creation of viruses and bacteria for their malicious activities. The sharing of such discoveries should be done under strict rules and ethical guidelines to avoid the risks that are associated with this. The case that is discussed above that is the creation of viable replicating poliovirus can cause the unnecessary outburst in its eradication. The government that is working on the eradication of this disease will have risks of an increased number of an affected child from the disease. This kind of research is a negative development which will give rise to problems creating biological effects in the environment as well as population. Such experiments should not be performed and should be banned as they are the threat to the environment.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.