Team:Virginia United/Human Practices

Conduct a Survey

Statistics on the age, education level, knowledge about the field of synthetic field

First group - knowledgeable in the field of synthetic biology and genetic engineering Second group - don't know much about the field

Explanation of results Discussion of ethics

Example Questions:

1) Choose one word that you think is closely related to the field of synthetic biology:

a) standards b) biobricks c) abstraction d) modularity e) creation f) DNA

2) Do you think genetic information should be?

a) Patentable b) Open Source c) Unsure

3) Are there ethical dilemmas between synthetic biology and classical genetic engineering?

a) No b) Yes c) Unsure

4) Do you think it is proper to use modified microorganisms for the benefit of mankind?

a) Yes b) No c) Unsure

5) Who would you associate with the field of synthetic biology?

a) Barack Obama b) Drew Endy c) Craig Venter d) Tom Knight e) Bill Gates f) Jay Keasling

6) I would support research in synthetic biology with the following aims (circle as many as you like):

a) Production of biofuels b) Production of pharmaceuticals c) Fundamental research in synthetic biology techniques d) Genetic engineering of microorganisms e) Genetic engineering of plants f) Genetic engineering of animals (non-human) g) Genetic engineering of humans

7) How much would you pay to have your complete genome sequenced?

a) < $20,000 b) < $10,000 c) < $5,000 d) < $1,000 e) < $500 f) < $100 g) < $10 h) I’m not interested in my genome

8) The United States should fund research in synthetic biology that is not aimed at immediate results, but instead at fundamental advances in methods and techniques.

a) Agree b) Disagree

9) Do you believer synthetic biologists are playing God?

a) Yes b) No c) Unsure

Bioethics (multiple choice) 1. Rate your knowledge of Synthetic Biology? a. Absolutely no knowledge b. Some knowledge c. Are you kidding I live for this stuff?

2. Describe synthetic biology in one word. a. Awesome b. Cutting-edge c. Dangerous d. Immoral e. A & B f. C & D g. All of the above

3. Do you see any moral or ethical issues with genetic manipulation? a. Yes b. No

4. Do you feel as if scientists in this and related fields are playing god? a. Yes b. No

5. Are you aware that humans have engaged in genetic manipulation through out the ages in the form of selective breeding? a. Yes b. No

6. How easy do you think it is to manipulate genes of a plant or large animal? a. Very easy b. Somewhat easy c. Hard d. Very Hard

7. If I told you that it is currently still very difficult to work with E. coli, would you feel the same way? a. Yes b. No

8. Do the ethical applications out-weigh the unethical applications? a. Yes b. No

9. On a scale of 1 to 10, how concerned are you about bio-security and bioterrorism.

10. What would you consider a bio-terrorist attack?

a. Anthrax b. Bacteria contaminating water/food supplies c. Both biological and chemical warfare

11. How protected do you think the United States is against a bio-terrorist attack? a. Not protected b. Somewhat protected c. Protected d. Very protected

12. How easy do you think it is to purchase DNA? a. Not easy, strict requirements b. Easy, any one can purchase for a home lab c. Very easy, my two year old can buy it

13. Should there be government restrictions on public labs? a. Yes b. No

14. If so, what restrictions should be placed on public labs? a. Labs should be locked at all times b. Only authorized personal should have access c. Research restricted to non-contagious materials

15. Is it possible or legal to enforce restrictions on privately funded labs? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe

16. Do you support future biological research? a. Yes b. No c. Maybe

17. How well has the field done to promote public awareness of issues and benefits? a. No awareness b. If you want it you can find it c. Very aware

18. What do you think is the most effective way to increase awareness? a. Online Webinars about Synthetic Biology b. Pamphlets c. Seminars on campus d. Interactive websites that provide general overviews

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