title: Synthetic biology confronts publics and policy makers: challenges for communication, regulation and commercialization.
abstract: The novelty of synthetic biology lies in the use of synthesized parts that can be arranged to make useful products. Such advanced, high-throughput genetic engineering projects redesign and fabricate existing biological systems as well as new biological parts, devices and systems that do not occur in nature. This Opinion discusses challenges raised by synthetic biology for public acceptance, regulation, commercialization and the emerging global issue of access to genetic resources and information. As with all new fields of research, maintaining the trust of the public and policy regulators is paramount. Hype and exaggerated claims are counterproductive to developing adaptive and ethically sound regulatory models responsive to stakeholder concerns.
authors: Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 1C9. tbubela@ualberta.ca
authors: Tania
authors: T
authors: Bubela
authors: Gregory
authors: G
authors: Hagen
authors: Edna
authors: E
authors: Einsiedel
mesh_terms: D005821:Genetic Techniques; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D058615:Synthetic Biology / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends