scholarly journals Engineering biological diversity: the international governance of synthetic biology, gene drives, and de-extinction for conservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Jesse L Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
International Governance ◽  
Gene Drives

scholarly journals Philosophy of Technoscience: From Cis-Continental to Trans-Continental

2021 ◽  
pp. 229-245
Author(s):  
Hub Zwart
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Dialectical Materialism ◽  
Cambrian Explosion ◽  
Dialectical Thinking ◽  
Line Production ◽  
Terrestrial System ◽  
Comprehensive View ◽  
Synthetic Cell ◽  
Malaria Mosquitoes ◽  
Gene Drives

AbstractThe previous chapters explored how four (interacting and overlapping) continental approaches (dialectics, dialectical materialism, psychoanalysis and phenomenology) offer hints and guidance for coming to terms with the revolutionary dynamics and disruptive impact of contemporary technoscience. Hegelian dialectics provides a conceptual scaffold for developing a comprehensive view of the terrestrial system and even for addressing the Cambrian explosion currently unfolding in laboratories around the globe, as a result of technoscientific developments such as synthetic biology and CRISP-Cas9. Dialectical materialism likewise offers a conceptual framework for addressing the rapidly aggravating disruption of the metabolism between nature and global civilisation, and the ongoing convergence of biosphere and technosphere, exemplified by the synthetic cell. Francophone psychoanalysis, closely aligned with dialectical thinking, adds to our understanding of the specificity of technoscience, both as a practice and as a discourse, where technoscientific research emerges as a questionable vocation driven by a desire to control, but at the same time ostensibly out of control. The dialectical methodology of psychoanalysis was exemplified with the help of case histories, moreover, involving Majorana particles, gene drives, malaria mosquitoes and nude mice. The latter represent technoscientific commodities, exemplifying the assembly-line production of human-made organisms (the commodification of life as such). Subsequently, we demonstrated how Heideggerian phenomenology entails important methodological hints for understanding technoscientific artefacts against the backdrop of technoscience as a mobilising force and as a global enterprise. And finally, we outlined how Teilhard’s views on the genesis of consciousness, self-consciousness and hyperconsciousness retrieve the historical (dialectical) dimension of phenomenology, thus allowing us to assess the present as a global unfolding of the noosphere.

Governing New Biotechnologies for Biodiversity Conservation: Gene Drives, International Law, and Emerging Politics

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse L. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Law And Politics ◽  
Gene Drives

The outdoor use of organisms modified with gene drives—emerging biotechnologies of biased inheritance—could further human well-being and biodiversity conservation, yet also poses environmental risks and diverse social challenges. This article describes and analyzes the international law and politics of gene drives’ research, development, and possible use, with an emphasis on their potential biodiversity applications. The Convention on Biological Diversity is central, and its institutions and others have taken actions toward governing gene drive organisms. Gene drives’ governance and politics are contrasted with those of agricultural genetically modified organisms, with emphases on states, nonstate actors, the precautionary approach, and decision-making forums. Developing and implementing governance—especially in international forums—for gene drives may prove to be difficult. The observations and analysis here indicate that the politics of gene drive organisms is a manifestation of a larger struggle regarding emerging technologies among those concerned about sustainability.

Multinational Coordination Required for Conservation of Over 90% of Marine Species

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Roberson ◽  
Casey O'Hara ◽  
James Watson ◽  
Benjamin Halpern ◽  
Carissa Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
International Governance ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
The Usa ◽  
High Level

Marine species are declining at an unprecedented rate, catalyzing many nations to adopt conservation and management targets within their jurisdictions. However, marine species are naive to international borders and an understanding of cross-border species distributions is important for informing high-level conservation strategies, such as bilateral or regional agreements. Here, we examined 28,252 distribution maps to determine the number and locations of marine transboundary species. Over 90% of species have ranges spanning at least two jurisdictions, with 58% covering over ten jurisdictions. The highest concentrations of transboundary species are in the USA, Australia, and Indonesia. To effectively protect marine biodiversity, international governance mechanisms—particularly those related to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Migratory Species, and Regional Seas Organizations—must be expanded to promote multinational conservation planning, and complimented by a holistic governance framework for biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

scholarly journals Sustainability as a Framework for Considering Gene Drive Mice for Invasive Rodent Eradication

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Barnhill-Dilling ◽  
Megan Serr ◽  
Dimitri Blondel ◽  
John Godwin
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Gene Drive ◽  
Invasive Species Management ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
The Social ◽  
Island Biodiversity ◽  
Rodent Eradication ◽  
Gene Drives

Gene drives represent a dynamic and controversial set of technologies with applications that range from mosquito control to the conservation of biological diversity on islands. Currently, gene drives are being developed in mice that may one day serve as an important tool for reducing invasive rodent pests, a key threat to island biodiversity and economies. Gene drives in mice are still in development in laboratories, and wild release of modified mice is likely a distant reality. However, technological changes outpace the existing capacity of regulatory frameworks, and thus require integrated governance frameworks. We suggest sustainability—which gives equal consideration to the environment, economy, and society—as one framework for addressing complexity and uncertainty in the governance of emerging gene drive technologies for invasive species management. We explore the impacts of rodent gene drives on island environments, including potential conservation and restoration of island biodiversity. We outline considerations for rodent gene drives on island economies, including impacts on agricultural and tourism losses, and reductions in biosecurity costs. Finally, we address the social dimension as an essential space for deliberation that will be integral to evaluating the potential deployment of gene drive rodents on islands.

International Standard Setting in Biomedicine – Foundations and New Challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-151
Author(s):  
Silja Vöneky
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
International Environmental Law ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Gene Drives

This article examines current challenges for a normative framework regulating biomedicine, including those arising from the use of big data and machine learning tools, and from the use of the CRISPR/Cas-9 technology, as for instance gene drives. The article focusses on the question of legitimate standard setting and takes into account both “hard” and “soft” law as well as private rule making. This includes international treaties and declarations in the area of human rights law and environmental law, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and, more specifically, the UNESCO Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. The author argues that, as instruments of biotechnology and biomedicine merge, international environmental law has to be interpreted in the light of human rights law. In order to adapt to new challenges, the article calls for a humanisation of international environmental law and, because of the ongoing disruptive technological development, argues that further legitimate standard setting is required. Keywords: Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Gene Drives, Standard Setting, CRISPR/Cas-9, Artificial Intelligence

Genome Editing, Gene Drives, and Synthetic Biology: Will They Contribute to Disease-Resistant Crops, and Who Will Benefit?

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin V. Pixley ◽  
Jose B. Falck-Zepeda ◽  
Ken E. Giller ◽  
Leland L. Glenna ◽  
Fred Gould ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Disease Resistant ◽  
Institutional Forces ◽  
Genetically Engineered Crops ◽  
Public And Private Sector ◽  
Gene Drives

Genetically engineered crops have been grown for more than 20 years, resulting in widespread albeit variable benefits for farmers and consumers. We review current, likely, and potential genetic engineering (GE) applications for the development of disease-resistant crop cultivars. Gene editing, gene drives, and synthetic biology offer novel opportunities to control viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, parasitic weeds, and insect vectors of plant pathogens. We conclude that there will be no shortage of GE applications totackle disease resistance and other farmer and consumer priorities for agricultural crops. Beyond reviewing scientific prospects for genetically engineered crops, we address the social institutional forces that are commonly overlooked by biological scientists. Intellectual property regimes, technology regulatory frameworks, the balance of funding between public- and private-sector research, and advocacy by concerned civil society groups interact to define who uses which GE technologies, on which crops, and for the benefit of whom. Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of genetically engineered crops requires affirmative policies, targeted investments, and excellent science.

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