Synthetic biology 'could be dangerous'

Environmental groups are worried about a new area of science, 'Synthetic biology', which allows both scientists and amateurs to manipulate DNA and create artificial genes.

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1 min read

Published 29 March 2012 11:53am

Updated 26 August 2013 10:48am

Source: SBS, BBC

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A new area of science, 'synthetic biology', allows both scientists and amateurs to manipulate DNA and create artificial genes.

The science could be used to produce everything from fuels to medicines, and the equipment is now easy to get hold of.

The technology, which only institutions could afford until recently, could be dangerous according to environmental groups, who warn the research could lead to harmful health and ecological effects.

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