The 1975 Asilomar conference marked a significant moment in the discussion of genetic engineering, where scientists gathered to weigh the groundbreaking possibilities against potential dangers, such as the creation of new pathogens. This week, on its 50th anniversary, the original concerns are being revisited in light of modern advancements. Historians and scientists are emphasizing the recurring themes of excitement and caution inherent in scientific progress. The conference is now considered a foundational event that continues to influence contemporary discussions on the ethics and safety of biological research.
"It was a meeting called because of concerns about the dangers, but the participants were mostly worked up about how exciting it will be to do the work."
"Asilomar has become legendary. It's become this mythical sort of event, and it gets invoked in all these different ways."
"The technologies might change, but the ways that we think about them or reason our way through what might happen are very familiar."
"Some researchers worried that putting new genes into lab bacteria might create novel pathogens."
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