Editing 76-15-B2 (section)

= DNA research =

<TABLE BORDER="0"><TR><TD WIDTH="60%" ROWSPAN="2">
=== Transcript ===
Though they probably can't even pronounce the word, some politicians
are champing at the bit to control research into Deoxyribonucleic
(DE-OXY-RIBO-NUCLEIC) Acid Molecules. Since that name is a tongue-twister,
it's usually referred to simply as D-N-A. The research about it is called
"Recombinant (RE-COM-BY-NANT) D-N-A research". In plainer English, these
DNA molecules carry the genes which make up the hereditary characteristics
of all living things.

Scientists have discovered that the DNA molecules can be split apart and
rejoined in new combinations. The possibilities are almost endless. By
combining molecules of different organisms, scientists can create new hybrids
with new traits. This could lead to some dramatic breakthroughs in health
care. Recently, for example there was good news about DNA's possibilities for
diabetics.

There is hope that DNA research may lead us to a cure for cancer. It
might slow the process of human aging. And, it might produce therapeutic
proteins for victims of hemophilia.

In the environment, recombined DNA molecules might be used to breakup
oil spills. Some might, in effect, draw nitrogen from the atmosphere to
help fertilize crops.

Why are the politicians interested? Well, as I said, DNA research
results in new organisms. So, some people are worried that new super-bacteria
could be accidentally formed in the process; bacteria that would be impervious
to all medicine and might escape from the lab and wreak havoc in the population.
Cries have gone up in some quarters for tight government controls on
recombinant DNA research, as if the scientists were going to be careless
with their vials and beakers.

Yet, Nobel Laureate, Dr. Arthur Kornberg of Stanford, says that the gene-
splicing technique is not a health hazard and is nothing like the menace
of overpopulation.

Last year, the National Institute of Health set up safety guidelines for the
91 institutions which house DNA projects funded by federal money. These are
graded from Pl, where normal lab precautions are taken, up to P4, requiring
protective clothing, sealed rooms, airlocks and double doors. In addition, the
labs themselves take steps to weaken the bacteria used in experiments. Cal
Tech's Professor Robert Sinsheimer told the Pasadena city fathers that they
use bacteria strains where ability to survive in the outside environment is
reduced "by a millionfold" during lab procedures.

Nevertheless, Congress is toying with a bill that would use the NIH
guidelines as the basis for a national law governing DNA research, in private
labs as well as those supported by public funds. Senator Edward Kennedy even
wants to add a provision for "local option", whereby city and town councils or
local committees could have tougher regulations than the federal ones. Scientific
inquiry could be stopped dead cold under such circumstances. Dr. Norton Zinder,
a molecular geneticist at Rockefeller University, points out that widespread
local bans on DNA Research would drive researchers underground, like bootleggers
of the Prohibition Era.

The problems are already beginning. In California, where a certain amount
of hysteria has been fanned over what might happen if DNA research is not done
with care, the state legislature is considering a bill to license DNA genetic
experiments by the state. As if the politicians and their bureaucrats knew
more about the subject than the scientists. 

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening.
</TD>
<TD WIDTH="10%" ROWSPAN="2">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT="250">
=== Details ===
<TABLE BORDER="0" WIDTH="80%">
<TR><TD WIDTH="150">Batch Number</TD><TD WIDTH="150">{{PAGENAME}}</TD></TR>
<TD>Production Date</TD><TD>06/15/[[Radio1977|1977]]</TD></TR>
<TD>Book/Page</TD><TD>[https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/public/2024-07/40-656-7386263-014-005-2024.pdf#page=27 Online PDF]</TD></TR>
<TD>Audio</TD><TD></TD></TR>
<TD>Youtube?</TD><TD>No</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</TD></TR>
<TR><TD VALIGN="TOP">
===Added Notes===

</TD></TR>
</TABLE>