Genetic Engineering and the Asilomar Conference

In 1973 Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer showed that genes could be cut from one organism and inserted into bacteria, which then copied them. This recombinant DNA technology made genetic engineering possible. Scientists themselves worried about risks, such as accidentally creating dangerous microbes, and called for a pause. In February 1975 about 140 researchers, along with lawyers and journalists, met at Asilomar in California and agreed on safety guidelines based on the level of risk.

Asilomar is often cited as an example of scientists regulating their own field, though critics note that the public had little voice. Commercial biotechnology followed: Genentech was founded in 1976, and in 1982 human insulin made by genetically engineered bacteria became the first such drug approved in the United States. The episode shows how a powerful technology can prompt self-regulation, debate and new industries.