Gene Drives: A report on their science, applications, social aspects, ethics and regulations

Synthetic gene drives are a new form of genetic engineering intended to permanently modify, replace or even eradicate populations or whole species in the wild. In contrast to previous GMOs, gene drive organisms (GDOs) are meant to spread their genetic modifications far and wide; in other words they are meant to be invasive unlike previous GMOs. If this technology fulfils the ambitions of its developers, it will have major implications not just for biodiversity and ecosystems, but also for humanity's relationship with the natural world. Debate about if and how GDOs could be safely employed is proceeding, alongside work on the underlying technology and plans for its deployment, but the international regulatory framework, technology assessment and the inclusion of wide public deliberations lag behind. In this context we have published this report on Gene Drives - their science, applications, social aspects, ethics and regulation - to meet an urgent need for independent and informed analysis of gene drive technology and its implications.

Posted on behalf of Ricarda Steinbrecher (Econexus)

Publishers:
Critical Scientists Switzerland (CSS)
Dändlikerrain 3
3014 Bern
http://www.criticalscientists.ch
info@criticalscientists.ch

European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER)
Marienstraße 19/20
10117 Berlin
http://www.ensser.org

Vereinigung Deutscher Wissenschaftler (VDW)
Marienstraße 19/20
10117 Berlin
http://www.vdw-ev.de

Report: PDF - 338 pages (3317.2 kB)
Summary: PDF - 2 pages (503 kB)

CRISPR, gene drives, biosafety