Author : Mae-Wan Ho

Summary : Genetic engineering involves designing artificial constructs to cross species barriers and to invade genomes. In other words, it enhances horizontal gene transfer - the direct transfer of genetic material to unrelated species. The artificial construct (transgenic DNA) typically contains genetic material from bacteria, viruses and other genetic parasites that cause diseases as well as antibiotic resistance genes that make infectious diseases untreatable. Horizontal transfer of transgenic DNA has the potential to create new viruses and bacteria that cause diseases, spread antibiotic resistance genes to pathogenic bacteria and trigger cancer in mammalian cells. There is an urgent need to establish effective regulatory oversight to prevent the escape and release of these dangerous constructs into the environment, and to consider whether some of the most dangerous experiments should be allowed to continue at all.