Regulating the dual-use and dual-impact life science research: influenza virus versus biotech crops

Abstract

Dual-use research of concern (DURC) is the research that is intended for legitimate benefits, but also carries a risk of being misused. In this article, the work related to regulation of dual-use influenza virus research involving genetic engineering of the subtype H5N1 has been compared with the research involving regulation of biotech crops including Bt cotton and Bt brinjal in India, which the author likes to describe as dual-impact research of concern. The growth of biotech crops globally has been briefly described to highlight that no harmful effects of any biotech crop grown and utilized during the last more than 15 years have been reported. The contrast between the responsible manner in which scientists dealt with the regulation of DURC and the manner in which the civil societies and some NGOs have been spreading misinformation, thus creating obstacles in commercialization of biotech crops meant for public good is revealing indeed. Therefore, major efforts are needed on the part of scientists and the media to develop good communication system involving newspapers, extension workers and TV programmes, which should highlight the merits and safety of biotech crops. Scientists should also work hard to convince the government that there is a need to reduce the burden of regulation for biotech crops, so that the benefit of this technology could reach the masses.