INDEPENDENT NEWS

A change of name and no change in objectives

Published: Sun 1 Jun 2008 01:05 PM
PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGO until 1 June 2008
Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility
A change of name and no change in objectives
Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility is the new name. The
objectives are the same.
"The public's demand for information on genetic engineering and other
matters of science will continue to be our priority," says Jean Anderson, a
Co-ordinator for the organization formerly known as Physicians and
Scientists for Responsible Genetics (PSRG). "Using our new name -
Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGR) - we will
continue to meet the public's right to be independently informed on relevant
matters of science and technology. And our new name will allow us to expand
our areas of interests.
"The public's call for information on genetic engineering is as great as
ever. People tell us they do not want it in their food or in their
environment and we get daily requests for information. Our new name will
not change our objectives or limit the work we do.
"We are also increasingly being asked for information about the emerging
fields of synthetic biology and nanotechnology.
"Synthetic biology is the proposed design and construction of artificial
life forms that do not exist in nature. Many scientists see it as a broad
redefinition and expansion of biotechnology that can be distinguished from
current genetic engineering because of its emphasis on designing foundation
technologies that take the engineering of biology further.
"Nanotechnology is working with extremely minute particles measuring only
100 nanometres or less. It is understandably difficult for people to
envisage just what one nanometre measures: one-billionth of a metre. That'
s on the scale of atoms and molecules," Jean Anderson continues.
"Nanoparticles have the potential to pass through skin into the bloodstream,
enter individual cells, and pass through the blood-brain barrier and into
the placenta. Regulation and safety testing are almost globally
non-existent, yet these particles are being used in the manufacture of a
wide range of items, including foods.
"Naturally, the public want to know more about these new areas of scientific
development. As PSGR, we will be focussed on meeting that expanded need."
Ends

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