Synthetic Biology. Morality and Reason

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Abstract

The review is devoted to advances in the creation of an artificial cell using synthetic biology methods. All achievements in this area are directly related not only to the possibility of answering the question of how life was created on this planet, but also impose great risks on the creation of objects that can be directed to the detriment of humanity or individual groups of people. Since modern technologies make it possible to synthesize the genomes of many organisms (bacteria and viruses) in vitro without complex equipment, only the moral and ethical qualities of the researcher, his foresight and deep study of the consequences of his actions can ensure the correct development of synthetic biology as a new and very promising science, without fear of possible negative consequences.

About the authors

D. S. Matyushkina

Scientific Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine

Email: d.matyushkina@sysbiomed.ru
Moscow, Russia

K. S. Gorbunov

Scientific Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine

Moscow, Russia

G. Y. Fisunov

Scientific Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine

Moscow, Russia

V. M. Govorun

Scientific Research Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine

Moscow, Russia

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