Team:PKU Beijing/Human/Survey
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In order to obtain valid result to analyze, we have adopted a novel but more reasonable method: | In order to obtain valid result to analyze, we have adopted a novel but more reasonable method: | ||
- | We conducted a sampling survey by telephone to inquire into 17 biotech firms about their provision for orderers. Telephone numbers of companies of different places, different dimensions and so on are randomly searched in Internet. Basic kits of molecular biology like the miniprep kit, gel extraction kit, PCR purification kit and so on, restriction endonucleases like EcoRI and DNA dye ethidium bromide are chosen as our objects of study. We asked these companies to deliver the goods which they have to a team | + | We conducted a sampling survey by telephone to inquire into 17 biotech firms about their provision for orderers. Telephone numbers of companies of different places, different dimensions and so on are randomly searched in Internet. Basic kits of molecular biology like the miniprep kit, gel extraction kit, PCR purification kit and so on, restriction endonucleases like EcoRI and DNA dye ethidium bromide are chosen as our objects of study. We asked these companies to '''deliver the goods which they have to a team member’s home in a community in Beijing'''. To obtain more authentic and credible result, the order would only be cancelled later if the business deals were confirmed to be permitted. |
*'''Results''' | *'''Results''' | ||
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[[Image:PKU_Survey_5.png|400px|center|thumb|Fig5. The distribution of nucleases order acceptance rate.]] | [[Image:PKU_Survey_5.png|400px|center|thumb|Fig5. The distribution of nucleases order acceptance rate.]] | ||
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+ | Besides kits and reagents, we also ordered primer from a company, and the primer is required to be delivered to one of our team member's home. Since primers are cheap, we didn't cancel the order. Several days later, the primer is successfully delivered. | ||
*'''Discussion''' | *'''Discussion''' | ||
From the results we can plainly see that basic molecular experiment materials are accessible in China, of course, without regard to financial matter. Therefore conducting a DIY molecular experiment at home seems to be less difficult than we estimated before. With the various kits, nucleases and essential dyes, we can carry out fundamental gene cloning operations like cutting and splicing the plasmids expediently. | From the results we can plainly see that basic molecular experiment materials are accessible in China, of course, without regard to financial matter. Therefore conducting a DIY molecular experiment at home seems to be less difficult than we estimated before. With the various kits, nucleases and essential dyes, we can carry out fundamental gene cloning operations like cutting and splicing the plasmids expediently. | ||
- | However, this result brings about further worries to us. As the investigation results showed, even severe toxic dye like ethidium bromide can be sent to a community as the client’s wishes. | + | However, this result brings about further worries to us. As the investigation results showed, even severe toxic dye like ethidium bromide can be sent to a community as the client’s wishes. Ethidium Bromide, as a mutagen intercalating double stranded DNA and deforming the molecule, may cause severe unknown consequences, especially for those general public who lack the knowledge to dispose such toxins. |
*'''Suggestion''' | *'''Suggestion''' | ||
Potential hazards are revealed by our survey, which should draw the attention of the government and other relevant departments. What we suggest are: | Potential hazards are revealed by our survey, which should draw the attention of the government and other relevant departments. What we suggest are: | ||
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1. Correlative laws should be formulated as soon as possible, to normalize the transaction of biological experiment materials. | 1. Correlative laws should be formulated as soon as possible, to normalize the transaction of biological experiment materials. | ||
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*'''Conclusion''' | *'''Conclusion''' | ||
- | As the biohackers are not nearly the mainstreams of researchers, the social attention is not paid enough. However, relevant legislations should still come out soon to prevent potential danger. Becoming a novel research fashion to attract broad masses or a facilitated way to produce biochemical weapons? How to use the double-edged sword, the power of decision is held by ourselves. | + | As the biohackers are not nearly the mainstreams of researchers, the social attention is not paid enough. However, relevant legislations should still come out soon to prevent potential danger, since the result of our survey shows that as long as one has money, one can get kits and reagents for experiment use. Becoming a novel research fashion to attract broad masses or a facilitated way to produce biochemical weapons? How to use the double-edged sword, the power of decision is held by ourselves. |
{{PKU_Beijing/Foot}} | {{PKU_Beijing/Foot}} |
Latest revision as of 19:06, 21 October 2009
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