The scientist as a responsible member of society, ethical issues in research, and the environmental and societal impacts of scientific research On Being a Scientist – pages Dr. Green 2/20/14

The Researcher in Society Provide expert opinion and advice Educate students, policymakers, and members of the public Lobby

Agent Orange Defoliant used in Vietnam War Mixture of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D herbicides 2,4,5-T known carcinogen and toxin 2,4,5-T contaminated with dioxin compound TCDD TCDD causes cancer and birth defects

Arthur Galston Discovered chemical that at low concentrations sped up flowering of soybeans but at higher concentrations defoliated soybeans. Research used by scientists working for US government to develop Agent Orange. He was one of the first to raise alarms about toxicity of Agent Orange. As evidence mounted for toxic effects of Agent Orange, he met with President Nixon’s science advisor, who recommended to President that the defoliant no longer be used.

Other examples Recombinant DNA – Asilomar Conference, 1975 NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee MU Institutional Biosafety Committee Recombinant DNA and food Irradiated food Nanotechnology

H5N1 flu Hard to transmit, but death rate when infected 60% High mutation rate Can it eventually pass from person to person by airborne route? Two labs figured out how to change genome so it could pass easily from one mammal to another U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity recommended journals not publish research for 60 days

Other issues Climate Change Evolution Vaccinations and autism