Marjorie Hoy, an entomologist at the University of Florida, says over
all a lot more work has to be done to fully prepare for transgenic
animals.

"We're still finding out so many new things and that's why we don't
exactly know what will really happen," she says. "I think we're still
going to be surprised."

For now, she says, the important thing to do is to keep the
discussion alive, involve many points of view, and not forget the
gravity of the matter. "It's a big responsibility," she says.

In a related article, Egbert Schroten, Professor at Utrecht
University, The Netherlands says:

>Biotechnology means an enormous increase of our possibilities and
>thus of our responsibility. Science and technology do not take place
>in a void but in the context of society, and they have an enormous
>impact on society. Biotechnology may contribute to human well-being
>and welfare, but it is acceptable only when the aims are ethically
>justified and when it is carried out under ethical conditions.
>
>Therefore, society has a right to look at what is going on in
>science and technology and to ask critical questions. Eventually
>this may foster the openness and quality in research, transparence
>of public policy, and public debate.
>
>In its Opinion on transgenic animals, "The Group of Advisers on the
>Ethical Implications of Bio-technology" pleads for the creation of
>platforms in order to systematically bridge the information gap, to
>stimulate the dialogue between science, industry and the public, and
>to create an opportunity for public participation in decision making.

--

Peter Borst <[log in to unmask]>