|
|
Bioinformatics.org
|
![[?]](https://www.bioinformatics.org/images/icons/info.png)
|
|
Research
|
Online databases
Online analysis tools
Online education tools
|
|
Development
|
|
|
Forums
|
News & Commentary
Jobs Forum
(Career Center)
|
|
|
News & Commentary - Message forums
|
         
|
 |
|
Genetics and the Future of Europe
Submitted by Martin Kucej; posted on Saturday, June 23, 2001
|
``European citizens feel confused about advances in genetics research. Certainly, the power that comes with increasing knowledge of life opens new horizons, new prospects for improving the quality of life. Medically assisted procreation is already a major step for mankind, but it does raise issues. The new therapies and medicines stemming from discoveries in genomics may lead to undreamed of progress in human health. Yet when it comes to genetically engineering animals and plants, many people tend to question or reject new advances immediately. These fears and expectations are widening the gap between the public and research in biotechnology.
``Medical genetics elicits an ambiguous response: on the one hand shines the hope of fighting certain diseases, while on the other hand looms the `spectre of eugenics.' Yet European opinion is above all hostile to crop genetics, and especially to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods. This mistrust is not totally rational: `When people refuse chocolate because the label mentions an infinitesimal GMO content, do they even think twice about the risk that traditional chocolate might contain extremely dangerous mycotoxins?'
``Science must `stop functioning as a club, with its rites and jargon.' The scientific profession thus gains a new - currently neglected - social function: the `duty to communicate.'
``The dialogue between science and society requires mediators capable of organising an open and constructive debate. The work of journalists is sometimes criticised. `The media tend to silence the moderate middle and polarise the debate.' New settings for mediation must be invented, such as the International Centre for Life Science (UK), which associates life science training, research, economic valorisation, ethical reflection and popularisation, all at the same site.''
|
|
Expanded view | Monitor forum | Save place
Start a new thread:
You have to be to post a reply.
|
|
![[University of Birmingham]](https://www.bioinformatics.org/images/ack_banners/Birmingham-728x90.gif)
![[Patsnap]](https://www.bioinformatics.org/images/ack_banners/Patsnap-728x90.png)