Synthetic Biology: Safety, Security, and Promise

by Gigi Kwik Gronvall

Synthetic biology aims to make biology easier to engineer and to program. Thanks to advances in computing power, the ability to make long tracts of DNA, new tools like CRISPR that can be used to edit genomes, and the enthusiasm of young scientists and even amateurs who want to enter the field, synthetic biology is poised to change the future of medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. Yet, while this new field promises vast opportunities and benefits, there are also risks. There are biosecurity risks that these technologies will be deliberately used for harm; safety risks to people and the environment; ethical and social considerations for how to apply these technologies; and there are risks to the competitiveness of nations that do not invest in these technologies that are likely to spur economic growth. This volume is dedicated to a discussion ofwhat can be done to minimize risks and maximize the benefits of synthetic biology.

198 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2016

Reviews

[Aysja Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I quite liked this book. It gives a pretty balanced overview of the current state of synthetic biology (future possibilities, history, international orgs and stances, the United States involvement, potential solutions, etc). Some of the major improvements in the field that the author would like to see (in terms of safety) are; increasing the United States position in synthetic biology -- in part to boost the economy and in part to be involved with figuring out the governance of cutting edge technologies, correcting for the mass anti GMO movement which has decelerated synthetic biology research (mostly abroad but it is starting to also affect the United States), putting in place national and international guidelines for research, and in general doing more to facilitate cooperation and cross talk between people in the field.

She mentions many other ways safety could be bolstered, but makes the point that 'feasible alternatives to self-governance are limited when technologies are still in the early stages of development, particularly when the applications are of broad interest, generating funding from private companies and multiple national governments, when the work is pursued in many places internationally, and when the technologies have great potential for tangible benefits to health and medicine.' In this vein, a large part of the suggestions are self-governance based. I am sympathetic to this stance.

I gave it three stars because I found it repetitive and some parts seemed lengthier than necessary. It had a ton of good information though, and I learned quite a few things I hadn't thought about prior to reading. I'd recommend to anyone trying to get a landscape view of synthetic biology from the pov of biosecurity.

[Virtue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage! We need more scientific research and not fear-based research policies, which just impede scientific progress and impose burden of agonizing red tapes. People who have little understanding of science exggerate the risk of its misuse and produce damaging unsubstantiated arguments, which are used to support bureaucratic regulatory bodies that suck money and resources and deprive us of better future.

[Read a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid primer into core issues of synbio biosafety and biosecurity concerns, without delving too far into the minutiae. Approachable for a casual audience.

[Audrey Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy overview of some of the challenges associated with regulations and oversight of synthetic biology. It includes the background, development, and future issues, as well as recommendations. It is primarily focused on the United States, but includes some global issues and oversight bodies.