Biotechnology: Facts, Fallacies and Future Developments
Biotechnology and genetic modification is an area of scientific research that
is both highly publicized and heatedly debated.
It represents an ever growing sector of research that either has or
likely will affect every New Zealander, and with it, every Maori.
But what is genetic modification or biotechnology?
How exactly is it done? What
benefits will it bring? What is
it that scientists are trying to achieve?
These are valid questions, all of which require, however, very
comprehensive answers. Following
on from an understanding of the science, though, comes the question of ethics
- just because this can be done, does this mean it should be done?
Questions of this nature evoke issues of Tikanga, of respecting the
tapu nature of the world around us. The
social and economic benefits that could be gained through the use of
biotechnology and genetic modification are very substantial.
For example, imagine a cancer treatment that attacks the cancer, but
not any of the healthy cells of the patient.
Or as a farmer, imagine a crop where five to ten percent isn’t lost
to rot. Imagine being able to
give a child a piece of fruit that contains all of their appropriate
vaccinations instead of having to use a needle.
Or perhaps even an improved strain of yeast for even better quality
beer! But even with benefits such
as these, the question remains, can these benefits be balanced with Tikanga
ideals?
Without understanding the concepts, reasoning and ideals behind the research,
it becomes very difficult to make an informed decision, which is a right that
every individual should have. The
aim of this presentation is twofold - firstly, to demystify the science, to
make it more understandable to those outside the science community, and
secondly, to promote thought and/or discussions of the Tikanga aspects of the
research. Overall, this should help lead to informed decisions and
opinions regarding biotechnology and genetic modification.
Melanie Collings
Laboratory Of Structural Biology
University of Auckland