-Caveat Lector- : [DNA GUN] Genetic weapons: a 21st-century nightmare? Genetic weapons: a 21st-century nightmare? The spectre of new biological weapons made possible by the mapping of the human genome makes it more urgent than ever to prevent biotechnology research from being hijacked for evil purposes Ethirajan Anbarasan ~The social and ethical safeguards which may prevent ethnic conflict and weapons development need to be discussed urgently Genome research: hopes and dilemmas The Human Genome Project (HGP), which began in 1990, is an international 15-year $3-billion initiative to trace and identify all the 60,000 to 80,000 genes (the human genome). International in scope, it has been described as the largest scientific research effort ever undertaken in the biological sciences. It is also seeking to determine the complete sequence of 3 billion sub-units of human DNA (deoxribonucleic acid), the molecule which codes genetic information and provides the biological instructions to make a human being. At least 18 countries have established genome research projects, and about 1,000 individuals from 50 countries are members of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), which helps to co-ordinate international collaboration. About 17 per cent of the genes had been sequenced by late 1998, and the project is expected to be finished by 2003, the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. Determining the sequence of the DNA bases in the entire human DNA will eventually determine where genes are located and what instructions are carried in a particular section of DNA. This information will be used by researchers to understand the function of genes and how they cause disease. Genome research has already helped scientists to identify genes associated with diabetes, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The project also opens up an array of ethical dilemmas relating to such questions as genetic testing for predisposition to hereditary diseases and the possible use of genetic information about individuals for commercial purposes (e.g. insurance) and the sharing of knowledge between rich and poor countries. Another key issue is that of the intellectual property of researchers, especially since private companies have entered the gene-mapping race. UNESCO has adopted a Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights which was endorsed by the United Nations on 9 December 1998. Among its stipulations is the following: No one shall be subjected to discrimination based on genetic characteristics that is intended to infringe or has the effect of infringing human rights, fundamental freedoms and human dignity. The spectre of new biological weapons made possible by the mapping of the human genome makes it more urgent than ever to prevent biotechnology research from being hijacked for evil purposes GO HERE FOR FULL STORY: http://www.unesco.org/courier/1999_03/uk/ethique/txt1.htm =========================================== It sounds like science fiction, but like many another prediction that was once dismissed as far-fetched it may become a reality. Scientists have warned that recent advances in biological research could eventually lead to the creation of a new type of biological arsenal capable of targeting a specific group of human beings with common genetic characteristics, as may be the case with certain ethnic groups. [EMAIL PROTECTED] ================================================================= Useful websites .www.gene.ucl.ac.uk/hugo (The Human Genome Organization) .www.nhgri.nih.gov (The National Human Genome Research Institute) .www.ornl.gov/hgmis (Human Genome Project Information) .www.tigr.org (The Institute for Genomic Research) .www.bma.org.uk/ mindex.htm (British Medical Association) ===================================================== <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/";>ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
