76-15-B2

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DNA research

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.		Details Batch Number 76-15-B2 Production Date 06/15/1977 Book/Page N/A Audio Youtube? No
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