Weiter mit Kurs in Richtung Biosafety...

[img_assist|nid=216|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]Am 27. Februar endete das erste Treffen der Parteien des Cartagena-Protokolls zur biologischen Sicherheit. Dieses hatte in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) stattgefunden. Es konnten zehn wegweisende Entschlüsse zu Themen wie Informationsaustausch, Finanzierungen und vor allem zum Umgang mit lebenden gentechnisch veränderten Organismen gefasst werden. Ein Update.

April 2004

A. Lorch, GID 163 April 2004

What are transformation events?

[img_assist|nid=25|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=150|height=65]During COP/MOP1 of the Biosafety Procotol confusion arose whether "transformation events" were a suitable information to be given for handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms (Article 18). A short explanation what a transformation event is and what kind of information can be given with it.

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Submitted by Antje on 28 Feb 2004.

50 years since the double helix: Genetic Engineering is crude and old-fashioned

[img_assist|nid=170|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]50 years ago the structure of DNA was determined 1 and hailed as the “secret of life”. The determination of the structure of DNA made it seem as if the complete understanding of living organisms was possible, even though fundamental questions regarding DNA function were unanswered, and remain so today. Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, the technology to insert genes at random into the genomes of organisms were developed and termed genetic engineering (GE).

April 2003

J. Cotter & A. Lorch, Greenpeace, April 2003.

Umbilical cord blood: Donation or insurance?

[img_assist|nid=194|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]Increasingly stem cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) enter the biomedical and biopolitical discussions about stem cells: as «donation» and baby's «First gift», as biological «life insurance» or as life saving «therapeutic» for a sibling.
Is umbilical cord blood banking a live insurance for a newborn baby, or a commercial enterprise that promises much too much? What problems are bound to follow it?

June 2002

A. Lorch, BioSkop 18, Juni 2002

"Biologische Lebensversicherung"

[img_assist|nid=194|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]Stammzellen aus Nabelschnurblut werden in der biopolitischen Debatte neuerdings als vielfältige Hoffnungsträger dargestellt: Sie gelten als »Spende« und erstes »Geschenk» eines Neugeborenen an seine Mitmenschen, als biologische »Lebensversicherung« oder als rettendes »Therapeutikum« fürs Geschwisterkind. Die Heilungsversprechen werfen brisante Fragen auf – medizinische, juristische, sozialpolitische.

June 2002

A. Lorch, BioSkop 18, Juni 2002

Umbilical cord blood: Donation or insurance?

[img_assist|nid=26|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=150|height=65]Is umbilical cord blood banking a live insurance for a newborn baby, or a commercial enterprise that promises much too much? What problems are bound to follow it?

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Submitted by Antje on 1 Jun 2002.

Biodiversity Clearing House: Information exchange in the CBD

[img_assist|nid=190|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has identified information exchange down as one of its aims and established a Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) with the task of facilitating technical and scientific cooperation. Information exchange by the National Focal Points, however, is decentralized and lacking a common structure, and lacks the resources required to make the most of its potential.

April 2002

A. Lorch, Biotechnology and Development Monitor, March 2002

Biodiversity Clearing House: Information exchange in the CBD

[img_assist|nid=27|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=150|height=64][read complete dossier]The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has identified information exchange down as one of its aims and established a Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) with the task of facilitating technical and scientific cooperation. Information exchange by the National Focal Points, however, is decentralized and lacking a common structure, and lacks the resources required to make the most of its potential.

Submitted by Antje on 1 Mar 2002.

Southern Voices: An online debate on biotechnology and food production

[img_assist|nid=191|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]In November 2001, the Biotechnology and Development Monitor facilitated an online debate on biotechnology and food production. In the first round, participants were able to determine the discussion agenda. The issues they considered to be the most relevant were patenting, systems of food production, capacity building, and rights and choices. The discussion showed the potential of this kind of online event. It resulted in a report and recommendations for Dutch policies.

December 2001

L. Asveld & A. Lorch, Biotechnology and Development Monitor December 2001.

Southern Voices

[img_assist|nid=178|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=43]In many countries population pressure, natural disasters, and changing climate conditions demand an urgent solution to the problem of food security. Genetic engineering claims to offer promising solutions, but is this a technology that can be applied with trust – and if so, under what conditions?

November 2001

Biotechnology and Development Monitor, November 2001.

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