Genome: Is Sharing Data Safe? Advantages & Disadvantages

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The discussion centers on the safety and implications of sharing genome data. Key advantages include the potential for global collaboration among researchers, which can lead to significant medical advancements, such as drug development and improved treatments. However, there are notable disadvantages, including the risk of misuse by individuals who may patent genetic cures, leading to high costs, or even the potential for bioterrorism, where harmful viruses could be engineered. The conversation emphasizes that while information itself is neutral, its application can have both positive and negative consequences.
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In your opinion, do you think it is safe or dangerous to share genome data? What are the advantages and disadvantages of sharing genome data? Looking forward to your replies..Thank you.. :shy:
 
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Since there is an enormous amount of information, this project needs to be a trully international effort. Pharmacologists can use this data to design drugs and prolong, create, or help sustain life

Advantages:
some mad scientist anywhere in the world could do research based on this data and further explore the field and publish his findings for a greater good of humanity

Disadvantages:
same mad scientist can patent a genetic cure from cancer and hike up the prices (although intellectual property is essential for breakthroughs in sciences, etc). or in our day and age, some terrorist can design a trully incurable virus and cause world-wide pandemic
 
In my opinion, information itself is never inherently good or bad.

- Warren
 
Thank you very much to the both of you.. :smile:
 

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