Review of quantitative and qualitative studies on U.S. public perceptions of synthetic biology.

ABSTRACT: How are public perceptions towards synthetic biology likely to evolve? Which factors will impact the framing of this emerging technology, its benefits and risks? The objective of this article is not to draw exhaustive conclusions about public perceptions of synthetic biology, but rather to provide readers with a review of integrated findings from the first quantitative and qualitative research ever conducted on this subject in the United States. Synthetic biology survey research shows two clear findings. The first is that most people know little or nothing about synthetic biology. Second, notwithstanding this lack of knowledge, respondents are likely to venture some remark about what they think synthetic biology is and the tradeoff between potential benefits and potential risks. Finding on

SUBMITTER: Pauwels E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2759427 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature