Let's build a lab where anyone, literally anyone, can come and tinker with microorganisms. Better yet, let's make this lab have no oversight whatsoever. Then, let's call making transgenic bacteria (in an unsecure environment) a "fun and educational" project.
Then, let's complain that University research (in a secure environment) is undemocratic and held under the tight tyranny of professorial dictators.
Then, let's encourage people to use the lab to test themselves for genetic conditions. If it turns out they have a genetic condition that will eventually cost them (and their insurance provider)
And while some people use the lab space to carry out work that might have serious IP and future revenue implications...let's secure it with no more than a sliding patio door.
Way to go Genspace! You have won TAE's coveted "Worst Science Idea of the Year" award.
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1 comment:
Let me refute.
Based on what I can glean from the article and website, Genspace is providing a clean and secure environment for experimentation but does not provide bacteria or supplies. I'll base my arguments on this assumption.
First, any lab that is government certified has oversight. And you can be sure that government regulators will randomly visit this site more than they ever visit academic institutions like my own. From Genspace's website: "The space itself is on a keycode-secured floor and the lab itself has a separate lock. Projects are approved by our advisory board of academic, government and industry professionals and all work is supervised by Ph.D. level members." So there will be oversight.
Second, all laboratory strain bacteria are transgenic and because Genspace is limited to a Biosafety level I facility, they will be unable to culture any human pathogens. This in and of itself is not worrisome. I can currently buy transgenic bacteria and have them shipped to me without any credentials.
Third, yes, this quote "If you work in a university lab, you have to do what your adviser tells you to do," does make academia sound worse than it really is. However, I work on innate immunology and viruses. Let's say I have a clever idea about hydrocarbon eating bacteria. My mentor would never allow me to pursue the work because it is so far beyond the scope of his lab, not to mention that it falls outside of the scope of the federal grants he uses to fund his work. This space offers clever people the option of flexing their creative muscles outside of their field.
Fourth, genetic testing, as-is, is a dream. It's too expensive to do widescale for an individual right now. However, posit this: a woman decided to test for a familial BRCA mutation. She discovers that she has the mutation that will give her x% chance of developing breast cancer. She therefore decides to undergo a double mastectomy, reducing her chances of cancer drastically and saving her the issue of going through expensive chemotherapy and toxic radiation treatments.
Fifth, if you're that concerned about IP rights and secrecy you should seek out venture capital funding. But securing IP rights is the responsibility of the inventor, not the lab.
This project is an experiment, and as such, it may fail completely. However if it is able to educate and excite a new generation of young scientists in a safe and informative way, then it has already succeeded. I can trace a large part of my interest in science to Mr. Barnes class where we did animal experiments, worked with transgenic bacteria and recombinant DNA....in a high school.
I for one would cast my vote as this being a great science idea.
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