The Emperor’s New Clothes - 'New Breeding Techniques' and synthetic biology - genetic engineering by another name

April, 2017

Helena Paul, Elisabeth Bücking, Ricarda A. Steinbrecher

Advocates claim that synthetic biology and the so-called New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) are distinct from genetic engineering (GE), write Helena Paul, Elisabeth Bücking & Ricarda Steinbrecher. In fact synthetic biology and NBTs carry similar risks to old-style GE, and even create novel hazards. The 'new GE' techniques - as they should be named - and their products deserve regulation at least as strict as those applying to GMOs. Read the full article on the Ecologist website.