Overview

Synthetic biology is becoming one of the most dynamic new fields of biology, with the potential to revolutionize the way we do biotechnology today. By applying the toolbox of engineering disciplines to biology, a whole set of potential applications become possible ranging very widely across scientific and engineering disciplines. Some of the potential benefits of synthetic biology, such as the development of low-cost drugs or the production of chemicals and energy by engineered bacteria are enormous. There are, however, also potential and perceived risks due to deliberate or accidental damage. Also, ethical issues of synthetic biology just start being explored, with hardly any ethicists specifically focusing on the area of synthetic biology. This book will be the first of its kind focusing particularly on the safety, security and ethical concerns and other relevant societal aspects of this new emerging field. The foreseen impact of this book will be to stimulate a debate on these societal issues at an early stage. Past experiences, especially in the field of GM-crops and stem cells, have shown the importance of an early societal debate. The community and informed stakeholders recognize this need, but up to now discussions are fragmentary. This book will be the first comprehensive overview on relevant societal issues of synthetic biology, setting the scene for further important discussions within the scientific community and with civil society.

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9789400790728

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Reviews

“The volume is the first of its kind to collate all key social aspects of Synthetic Biology in one place. … The eleven chapters contained in this book, that cover important societal implications of innovations in Synthetic Biology, are well-researched and articulated. … for anyone who is interested in forwarding their knowledge in the area of modern biotechnological innovation, its applications, and its implications.” (Ambika Natarajan, Nanoethics, Vol. 10, 2016) “This work discuss the principles of genetic engineering and the development of novel applications of biological systems through computational design. … The writing throughout is clear and easily understandable for all readers, the sectional headings provide easy references for novice audiences, and the breadth of topics identify the key issues for the field. Synthetic Biology has broad appeal for students studying biology, ethics, law, and potentially business. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections.” (D. L. Beach, Choice, Vol. 47 (9), May, 2010)

From the reviews: This work discuss the principles of genetic engineering and the development of novel applications of biological systems through computational design. The writing throughout is clear and easily understandable for all readers, the sectional headings provide easy references for novice audiences, and the breadth of topics identify the key issues for the field. Synthetic Biology has broad appeal for students studying biology, ethics, law, and potentially business. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections. (D. L. Beach, Choice, Vol. 47 (9), May, 2010)

Author Information

Markus Schmidt has an interdisciplinary background with an education in electronic and biomedical engineering, biology (MSc) and risk research (PhD). His research interests include risk assessment, the science-society interface, and technology assessment (TA) of novel bio-, nano- and converging technologies. Since 2005 he pioneered synthetic biology safety and ELSI research in Europe. See: www.markusschmidt.eu for details.

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