New Developments in Biotechnology, 3. Field-Testing Engineered Organisms: Genetic and Ecological Issues

摘要

Since the discovery of recombinant DNA technology in the early 1970s much attention has focused on the potential benefits and risks presented by the new abilities of researchers to manipulate DNA. The importance of ecological issues was heightened in 1982 with the proposal by researchers to field test bacteria engineered to reduce crop losses due to frost damage. Additional pressures have come to bear as a result of developments in the economics of American agriculture and with foreign trade imbalances. In this special report OTA analyzes some of the scientific and public opinion issues surrounding the planned introduction of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. Contents: Summary, policy issues, and options for congressional action; The regulatory regime and the role of public perception; Genetic considerations; Ecological considerations; Risk assessment.