Interests, Identities, and Synthetic Biology

Murray, Thomas H.

doi:10.1002/j.1552-146x.2011.tb00122.x

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Because synthetic technologies are expected to lead to larger and more diverse applications in the future, their risks and benefits need to be evaluated broadly (i.e., not only for safety and security, but also in terms of environmental, social and economic risks and benefits, and philosophical, ethical and theological concerns) as part of research planning and design in the United States and internationally (e.g. Schmidt 2009;Schmidt et al 2009;Cho & Relman 2010;Gutmann 2011;Murray 2011). As the field continues to advance, experts in science and engineering have joined with those in policy, social sciences and humanities to broaden the focus and increase public discourse about these matters (e.g.…”

Section: Overview Of Concerns Associated With Synthetic Biology On Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Schmidt 2009; Schmidt et al . 2009; Cho & Relman 2010; Gutmann 2011; Murray 2011). As the field continues to advance, experts in science and engineering have joined with those in policy, social sciences and humanities to broaden the focus and increase public discourse about these matters (e.g.…”

Section: Overview Of Concerns Associated With Synthetic Biology On Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Synthetic biology in space: considering the broad societal and ethical implications

Race

Moses

McKay

et al. 2012

International Journal of Astrobiology

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Although the field of synthetic biology is still in its infancy, there are expectations for great advances in the coming decades, both on Earth and potentially in space. Promising applications for long duration space missions include a variety of biologically engineered products and biologically aided processes and technologies, which will undoubtedly be scrutinized for risks and benefits in the broad context of ethical, legal and social realms. By comparing and contrasting features of Earth-based and space-applied synthetic biology, it is possible to identify the likely similarities and differences, and to identify possible challenges ahead for space applications that will require additional research, both in the short and long terms. Using an analytical framework associated with synthetic biology and new technologies on Earth, this paper analyses the kinds of issues and concerns ahead, and identifies those areas where space applications may require additional examination. In general, while Earth- and space-based synthetic biology share many commonalities, space applications have additional challenges such as those raised by space microbiology and environmental factors, legal complications, planetary protection, lack of decision-making infrastructure(s), long duration human missions, terraforming and the possible discovery of extraterrestrial (ET) life. For synthetic biology, the way forward offers many exciting opportunities, but is not without legitimate concerns – for life, environments and society, both on Earth and beyond.

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