M4 Discussion Creating Viruses No unread replies11 reply Rap

M4 Discussion: Creating Viruses

No unread replies.11 reply.

Rapid advances in the field of molecular and cellular biology have unwillingly unleashed the potential for creating viruses and bacteria more virulent than nature\'s worst. In the summer of 2002, Researchers at the State University of New York at Stony Brook described the first de novo biochemical synthesis of a virus, based on published gene sequence information and using \"off the shelf\" commercially available DNA material. After they pieced together genetic sequences to form a full-length poliovirus, they successfully replicated and translated this material cell-free in test tubes. The resulting nucleic acids and proteins were then able to assemble spontaneously into fully infectious viral agents. The scientists began their work from genetic blueprints that exist in the public domain, that is, in published journal articles and on internet databases.

The ability to manufacture an infectious agent from scratch using preexisting, published knowledge is an unsettling development. The theoretical possibility that current knowledge could permit the creation of potential agents of biological warfare generated intense media interest around the world. As a result of studies like that at Stony Brook, an ethical debate has arisen over whether such research should be pursued, and if so, whether the details of such research should be published. Some argue that the pursuit and publication of such research unwittingly aids would-be terrorists; others argue that the dissemination of information is necessary for the effective sharing of research within the scientific community and for science to progress.

In this discussion assignment, tell us (in 250-300 words) which side of the debate do you support and why?

Solution

In Unitedstates of America, after the September 11 2001 attacks, the country majorly focused on the research of infectious agents that can be used by bioterrorists. The scientists who work on these agents should work under strict rules and ethics and should not use their knowledge for detrimental purposes. As part of this purpose the scientists must be checked extensively by the officials and it should be the responsibility of the scientist to think about this action positively and should extent their cooperation. The FBI in this regard may question every scientist who is working on infectious agents like Anthrax bacillus. But this is not the discouragement of good intensions of a scientist rather it is the responsibility. Thus, every scientist should work for the welfare of the country and the mankind.

Creating viralm agents synthetically is even threatening and destructive act because virus is very small, rapid and potent spreading infectious agent that may cause pandemics at a time leading to mortality of populations worldwide. it would be harmful to publicize the data by publishing such research papers and the technology can be used by various unwantes antisocial groups that may target to ruin the populations. Till date it is believed that Russia and U.S. still maintain the stockpiles of small-pox virus for different purposes. But this is not at all encourageable and it is the responsibility of both the countries to follow the ethics and be faithful to each other. It would be best to destroy the samples of the deadly virus because the impact of spreading the virus as part of bioterrorism would cause massive destruction of mankind and as well as the economical status of the world.

It would be disastrous to use biological weapons. Targeting a few accused with these weapons kill many innocents. It is even unethical to encourage the bioterrorism by one of the economically strongest countries like U.S. The mutual agreement of countries like U.S., U.K. and U.S.S.R would be not encourageable as these developed countries will try to eliminate many small countries by using their power and this may lead to poverty and economic hindrance in many parts of the world.

It is rather objectionable to encourage bioterrorism than conventional war fare. But encouraging bioterrorism would be on par to encourage nuclear warfare. This is because in both these cases massive population elimination would be the result and affect the world economy hugely. Hence, I strongly believe that developed countries will have massive impact on the rest of the world. Therefore, it would be the responsibility of the developed countries to stop such unethical activities and establish peace in the world.