Big Promises Backed by Bad Theory

Synthetic biology is the newest purported cure-all technology for remedying our social, environmental, and public health ills. As many prominent synthetic biologists proclaimed in 2007, the world “face[s] daunting problems of climate change, energy, health, and water resources. Synthetic biology offers solutions to these issues…Fifty years from now, synthetic biology will be as pervasive and transformative as is electronics today.”ⁱ

Bold claims aside, the basic assumption behind synthetic biology—that organismal complexity can be remolded with predictable outcomes using simplistic engineering tools and standardized parts—may divert scientific research and funding away from programs more beneficial to the advancement of science and the public good. In addition, the undeniable power of the technology to alter living systems also contains potential for harm.

Synthetic biology is a collection of techniques and agendas (both research and business) that includes:

•  Genome-driven cell engineering: the substitution of chemically synthesized DNA or DNA analogues for their natural counterparts in order to change cell behavior and/or produce novel products;

• DNA-based device construction: the construction of DNA sequences that encode protein or RNA molecules that assemble into complex...