The Promise and Dangers of Synthetic Biology
New Presidential Commission Prepares for Future Developments
Public policy makers need to manage the risks and rewards of this promising new life sciences industry, particularly with an eye on the global context.
Defining the Boundaries of Genetic Testing
Ethics concerns arise about testing company 23andMe’s genetic data-gathering efforts prior to the publication of a key research paper by the company.
The Full Potential of University Research
A pilot initiative from the federal government could accelerate the great potential of breakthrough innovations arising from academic research.
Vision Renewed
A new study points to the possibility that retina cells can be derived from embryonic stem cells, but new regulatory procedures need to be in place to oversee the research going forward.
Clinical Trials and the Common Good
The true measure of a clinical trial’s worth is not whether it provides dying patients access to unproven medications, but rather, whether it produces a bountiful yield of knowledge that empowers future healthcare providers.
The First Scientist to “Play God” Was Not Craig Venter
Critics of synthetic biology who fear that scientists are overstepping boundaries should have raised their objections in the 19th century.
Shell Survivors
Pollution in coastal waters around the country has damaged shellfish habitats for decades, but promising restoration programs can preserve the tiny bivalves that are crucial to healthy waters along our shorelines.
Synthetic Biology Grows Up
The emerging technology is cause for celebration but risks overreaction that could inhibit innovation.
Re-Thinking Innovation
For the networks of scholars who study innovation to fully understand the process, they must examine innovation in a networked world.
» Read earlier features in the issues archive
From the Editors
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Transitions
This Science Progress newsletter will go on hiatus for the summer as we transition staff. We will alert you as soon as it starts up again, but expect a period of radio (or, rather, email) silence. You can continue to find new content right here on the Science Progress homepage, and can get automated updates through our RSS feed.
After almost three years on the project, your humble managing editor will be moving on to join Teach for America’s teacher training program. It’s been a pleasure, an honor, and a remarkable educational experience bringing to you, our readers, progressive ideas about how science strengthens the United States, and vice versa. Thank you all. —Andrew Pratt
