Today, Testbiotech is publishing a background showing that the combination of artificial intelligence and genetic engineering (AIxGE) has produced ‘dark matter’ microbes and proteins that have no counterpart in nature. New methods also allow entire microbial communities, including currently unknown species, to be genetically engineered directly in the environment.
Many genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMOs) are already available that have been developed using AIxGE applications. They are based on changes in regulatory elements, gene deletions, multiplexing, computer-assisted design and automated processes. They often show biological characteristics going far beyond what was known beforehand.
Although many of these AIxGE applications also go along with severe risks for the environment, the European Commission wants to lower safety standards for environmental releases of GEMOs. They suggest to introduce a “low risk” category of microbes that would in future only require a simplified risk assessment. The proposal also aims to eliminate mandatory monitoring, to waive detection methods and to remove time limits for approvals.
The ‘low-risk’ category may also include many microbes resulting from AIxGE applications. The backgrounder provides an overview on recent applications and discusses consequences for future regulation. Testbiotech concludes that the Commission’s proposal should be rejected, as it is based on an outdated understanding of GEMOs and the environmental risks they pose.
Contact:
Christoph Then, info@testbiotech.org, Tel +49 151 54638040
Further information:
The new Testbiotech background
Testbiotech backgrounder: “Multiple risks: Releases of genetically engineered soil microorganisms“