rDNA and Risk: Controversies of the 1970s and 80s HSCI E137 Feb 23, 2011

Some of the scientific developments preceding the biotech era Search for hereditary basis for traits and diseases (Penrose, 1940s) One gene-one enzyme hypothesis (Beadle and Tatum, 1940s) Concept of “molecular disease” (Pauling, 1949) DNA as hereditary material (Hershey and Chase, 1951) Structure of DNA (Watson and Crick, 1953)

Scientific developments The “central dogma”: DNA makes RNA makes protein (Crick, 1958) Frog cloned (Gurdon, 1961) Discovery of restriction enzymes (late 1960s) Recombinant DNA (1973)

Krimsky’s Biotechnics K’s view of technology: as contingent, not autonomous; cell-as-factory metaphor K divides the history of the early biotech revolution by decade Defining events in the first decade (1970s): –1973: first successful recombinant DNA –1974: formation of NIH RAC –1975: Asilomar conference

Defining events: 1970s : public involvement in rDNA debate –Cambridge City Council hearing, June 26, 1976 (video) –1977: Cambridge passes rDNA law –1977: Rifkin’s debut as anti-genetics activist

Rifkin in 2009 Rifkin protesting in the 1990s

1980s developments: Growing commercialization of biotech: RDLPs and biopatenting policies From lab containment to deliberate release –Field testing of ice minus ( ) –EPA steps in as regulator Risk assessment: geneticists vs. ecologists