A White Paper by the Institute for Responsible Technology and Protect Nature Now

A White Paper by the Institute for Responsible Technology and Protect Nature Now

Genetically Modified Microbes

Technological and Legislative Challenges and National Security Implications

Recommended: Read the Executive Summary First

This short piece summarizes the full report in an easy-to-read format.

Genetically engineered microbes and viruses have the potential to inflict significant and long-term damage to human health and the environment. The legislative and regulatory framework of genetically modified and synthetic microorganisms has been exposed as wholly inadequate.

IRT and Protect Nature Now’s newly released White Paper provides the necessary scientific information and recommendations for authorities to properly regulate this new technology. The paper reveals a clear need for a new legislative and regulatory framework to effectively address the current state of gene-editing technology, the risks with its use in microbes, and the potential national security implications.