A world-first project has begun creating artificial human DNA from scratch, sparking controversy over its potential misuse. The Wellcome Trust has given £10m to the research, which aims to develop therapies for incurable diseases and improve human aging.
The Synthetic Human Genome Project uses the building blocks of DNA (A, G, C, and T) to create parts of it, potentially taking the Human Genome Project’s work a giant leap forward. The project’s goal is to develop ways to build larger blocks of DNA, including synthetically constructed chromosomes, to study genes and their regulation.
Critics fear that unscrupulous researchers could misuse the technology to create enhanced or modified humans. Dr Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, warned that “the science can be repurposed to do harm and for warfare.” The project’s lead researcher, Dr Julian Sale, believes the benefits outweigh the risks, saying, “The sky is the limit” in terms of new therapies and treatments.
To address concerns over commercialization and ownership, a dedicated social science program will run alongside the scientific development. Prof Joy Zhang, a sociologist, will lead the program to gather expert opinions and public views on the technology’s benefits and potential risks.
While the project’s work will be confined to test tubes and dishes, with no attempts to create synthetic life, experts warn that the genie is out of the bottle. With this technology, researchers may have unprecedented control over human living systems, raising questions about ownership and data protection.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6256wpn97ro