Where will genetic engineering lead us? - a unique perspective on risk from a former scientist who worked on the Human Genome Project

Monday, July 16, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, roughly a 90-minute presentation with some time for questions and discussion

This is a free talk open to the public presented by Matt Endrizzi, a former molecular biologist who was a team leader on the Human Genome Project and other genome sequencing projects at the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 2000-2002.  Previously he worked at Harvard Medical School and Florida State University.

The goal of this talk is to share a unique perspective on risk to human health and the environment that is not on the public’s radar.  Matt combines his knowledge from molecular biology research with his expertise as a public high school teacher to present cutting edge information in a clear and simple way.  Some may be alarmed by what they hear, but ultimately he intends to share a hopeful message.

Recombinant DNA was first created in 1971 when scientists spliced together DNA from different organisms and put the new DNA into bacteria to test it.  This practice raised concerns among scientists that they may alter the bacteria to cause cancer or other problems in people working with this material.  These concerns led to a voluntary moratorium on making recombinant DNA until the National Institutes of Health funding this research published guidelines for handling and containing these molecules several years later in 1976.  Research involving recombinant DNA has evolved into many forms and applications over the last four decades and has proliferated throughout the world to businesses, high schools, and even Do It Yourself kits.

There have been many voices opposed to playing God, planting GMO’s, and using genetic information to make decisions about our fate.  Meanwhile, voices from the science industry more frequently say the initial perceived risks were exaggerated.  For many, it may be overwhelming to consider opposing the fundamental methods of biotechnology, but the aim of this talk is to propose a way we might be able to embrace the good and minimize the bad.  In order to do this, we must all grow in our understanding of what science has to teach us about genetic engineering.