As you learn about these powerful technologies, keep in mind: with great power comes great responsibility.

Bomb

In 2011, researchers studying the H5N1 bird flu virus discovered that only five mutations (changes in the viral genetic code) allowed the virus to spread via air droplets in ferrets. The H5N1 flu had created deadly outbreaks in the past, but its spread was limited because direct contact had been required for transmission. Scientists agreed that, if the virus acquired the ability to spread through the air, a pandemic - a worldwide outbreak of the disease - would become much more likely. The discovery of the five mutations that allowed airborne transmission could help in the design of strategies to fight the flu, but if that virus escaped, or terrorists followed the mutation “instructions”to make their own version, it might kill millions of people.

This conflict - the fact that scientific knowledge and technological advancements can be used to improve the world, but could also be used for harm - is known as the “dual use dilemma”. This dilemma is not unique to biotechnology. For example, physicists’ discovery of atomic fission and the nuclear chain reaction allowed atomic power and the creation of radioisotopes for medical purposes, but it also allowed the invention of nuclear weapons.

The scientists studying the H5N1 flu agreed to a 60-day halt on the research in 2012, so that international experts could discuss the implications and make plans. This action echoed the events of 1975, when the first genetic engineering techniques had been developed, and leading scientists met at Asilomar to discuss how these technologies could ethically be used.

Listen to or read this article about the events:

Scientists Debate How To Conduct Bird Flu Research

Learning Objectives

- 1.3 Explain how genetic engineering has impacted your life and the lives of people around the world.