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Main Content
How Will The EU React To The New Artificial Chromosome
It took fifteen years for American scientist, Dr Craig Venter, to create a synthetic cell.
The cell is completely derived from a man made chromosome and has the signatures of its creators on four strands of its DNA sequences.
Now some wonder how the European Union will react. The EU supports and funds a research programme on the use of human embryonic and adult stem cells and sees this kind of research as an essential avenue towards new remedies and treatments. However, the EU also acknowledges the importance of bio-ethical standards. There are very strict EU rules and regulations governing the use of stem cells.
Because there is more danger involved in the creation of synthetic cells than in the use of stem cells, the EU is likely to proceed with caution. Obviously, high on the EU’s list of priorities will be the regulation of synthetic cell creations. If they’re regulated, they can be controlled, which can make them safer.
Creating life from computer information poses certain risks. Nobody knows the potential that an organism like this will have. There are many concerns. Cells have a tendency to multiply and evolve. Who is to say that this synthethic cell will not do just that? It is also possible that it may have an adverse effect on the earth’s eco-system. If left to multiply it has the potential to infect and consume. Bacteria, like this one can also be used for biological weapons. If it were to get into the wrong hands, utter devastation could follow.
But, synthetic cells also have the potential for greatness. They could be used to produce vaccines and medicines, clean up pollution and make food. Scientists are already beginning to reconstruct types of algae to convert CO2 into fuel.
Although Venter and his co-workers are adamant the cell is completely harmless and cannot infect humans, a close relative of the cell is known to cause lung infections in humans. Dr Venter claims his work is for the benefit of humankind, and maybe it is, however, his attempts to patent his work are slightly concerning.