Social and Legal Issues of Biotechnology

Abstract

Recent developments in molecular biology, immunology, tissue culture, and embryo manipulation have considerably enhanced man's ability to change living organisms. Potential benefits to mankind have led to multi-billion dollar per year investments involving over 200 new companies and many existing enterprises. Although various scientific problems involved in genetic engineering were insurmountable until recently, many of these problems have now been at least partially solved. Concerns have shifted somewhat toward issues involving: 1) the legality of patenting new life forms; 2) the question of the need for regulation; 3) safety; and 4) the public perception of science. The development of a high-tech industry around basic biological science has left some researchers with divided interests and has, at the same time, led to useful collaboration between industry and academe. Universities will soon face new tests of the basic premise of the 'universality' of knowledge gained from research as they attempt to patent and temporarily withhold publication of proprietary discoveries made with taxpayers' support.