The Dark Side of Biotechnology: Examining the Threats Posed by Biotechnology to Our Future

As a microbiologist, I get drawn to TV shows and movies that explore themes of bioterrorism, nuclear threats, and superhumans. It's fascinating how these fictional narratives often incorporate elements of technology, chemicals, vaccines, and bioweapons like Ebola or Anthrax. These stories typically revolve around a biologist or chemist who possesses the knowledge to control society through a solution or weapon. While these shows captivate our imagination, they also raise important questions about the role of science, the ethics of genetic engineering, and the dangers of biological warfare.

Boston University recently made headlines with its creation of a hybrid virus combining elements of COVID-19. While viruses naturally exchange genetic material, laboratory techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to manipulate them. In an experiment, researchers introduced spike proteins from the Omicron subvariant onto the surface of the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiming to test its ability to evade immunity. However, the controversial result was a hybrid variant with an 80% fatality rate, highlighting the potential risks associated with such experiments. Similar debates exist regarding the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with claims that it may have originated from a lab in Wuhan conducting research on bats.

TV shows like Hanna also explore the concept of designer babies through gene editing. The show depicts a military experiment where embryo DNA is enhanced, creating super-soldiers with extraordinary abilities, physical perfection, and obedience to carry out assassination missions against activists or threats to the regime. While real-world gene editing using CRISPR has shown promise in eliminating genetic disorders like Leigh syndrome, concerns arise about the ethical implications and long-term effects of creating genetically modified individuals.

Biological warfare and bioterrorism have a long history, with organisms and toxins being weaponized to harm enemies. Throughout history, biological weapons like Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Marburg virus, and Yersinia pestis have been documented. Recent conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia situation, have raised suspicions about the presence of biolabs and alleged experiments involving deadly pathogens. These controversial activities underscore the need for international regulations and ethical considerations.

Cloning, which is not limited to TV shows, is a reality in the scientific field. It involves creating an exact replica of a gene, bacteria, animal, or plant. Dolly, the sheep, is recognized as one of the successfully animal clone produced from the Finn Dorset white sheep udder cells back in 1996. Cloning has played a crucial role in producing biosynthetic human insulin and studying diseases in specific animal species. While there is potential for cloning extinct species and using animals as bioreactors for therapeutic proteins, human cloning is prohibited due to ethical concerns.

Gene therapy holds promise in treating a range of conditions, including cancer, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hemophilia, and heart disease. It involves replacing faulty genes, introducing new genes, or deactivating disease-causing genes to enhance the body's ability to fight diseases. Gene therapy products utilize various techniques, such as viral vectors, bacterial vectors, plasmid DNA, human gene editing technologies, and patient-derived cellular gene therapy products. However, gene therapy is currently only available through clinical trials in the United States due to potential risks such as targeting the wrong cells, the possibility of tumor formation, or triggering unwanted immune responses.

In summary, biotechnology has brought both advancements and challenges. As it stands we can prosper or perish depending on the choices we make. While we have achieved significant milestones in areas like gene therapy and the production of valuable products- cheese, yoghurt, cheese, human insulin, and organic acids, we must be mindful of ethical considerations and the potential consequences of pursuing unrealistic goals like designer babies.?