A change of name and no change in objectives

1 June 2008

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."

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