No matter what your perspective is with regards to genetically modifying nature, you have to admit there are probably going to be some unintended consequences. After all, future generations of species get a somewhat modified version of their parents genes to start with. If their parents have genes that are from another species entirely, what outcome might we expect?
Anyway, a company called BioCurious decided it would be a good idea to create a Glow-In-The-Dark plant. A little short on funds, they resorted to crowdsourcing. Posting a need on KickStarter for funding, they raised over $480,000, when they apparently were going for $65,000.
“The group had hit upon a new method for funding biotech, one that’s faster, cheaper and requires less expertise than traditional grants or venture capital.”
As technology develops, as it does, this type of activity would become easier and cheaper to do in the future. Do we really want to open up Pandora’s door of genetically modified species to anyone that “has a good idea”?
Fortunately the ETC Group formally petitioned the USDA and Kickstarter to stop the program in its tracks. That, of course, would not prevent BioCurious from going outside the country to manipulate the genes, or stop other groups, fully funded to pursue the activity.
Eye on the Ball 