Team:Brown-Stanford/SynEthics/Videos/WillMarshall

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The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and the Settlement of Space

Videos

Introduction

Summary

Dr. Lynn Rothschild is the dedicated faculty advisor of the Brown-Stanford iGEM team, Chief Scientist for Synthetic Biology at NASA Ames Research Center, and career astrobiologist. Her research interests include extremophiles and the effects of UV radiation, altitude, and other stresses on microorganisms.

(0:06) Why is synthetic biology good for space exploration? Dr. Rothschild covers the three primary advantages of biological systems over mechanical ones in space- they can grow, self repair, and self replicate.

(1:51) What are the ethics of space exploration? Dr. Rothschild expresses the belief that going into space is ethically sound. She also frames the concern about disturbing alien life in terms of scientific value.

(4:12) Could we genetically engineer alien lifeforms? Dr. Rothschild discusses the possibility of engineering alien organisms, drawing parallels to research on Earth.

(5:40) What if life in the universe is truly rare? Dr. Rothschild describes the ethical responsibility we would have to humanity, life on Earth, and life in the Universe.

(6:23) Any last words for iGEMers? Dr. Rothschild’s advice on how to use the tools of synthetic biology.

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+Dr. Lynn Rothschild is the dedicated faculty advisor of the Brown-Stanford iGEM team, Chief Scientist for Synthetic Biology at NASA Ames Research Center, and career astrobiologist. Her research interests include extremophiles and the effects of UV radiation, altitude, and other stresses on microorganisms.
-Dr. William Marshall is a research fellow in the Small Spacecraft Office at NASA Ames Research Center, and a Science and Security Fellow at the Space Policy Institute of George Washington University. In particular, his interests are in mission planning, spacecraft testing for a variety of microsatellite missions, and the global security implications of space strategy.
+(0:06) '''Why is synthetic biology good for space exploration?'''
+Dr. Rothschild covers the three primary advantages of biological systems over mechanical ones in space- they can grow, self repair, and self replicate.
-(0:05) '''Why should humanity expand into space? ''' <br>
+(1:51) '''What are the ethics of space exploration?'''
-Dr. Marshall states that the fundamental motive for space expansion is risk mitigation and survival. He outlines a difference between a threat to civilization and a threat to existence.
+Dr. Rothschild expresses the belief that going into space is ethically sound. She also frames the concern about disturbing alien life in terms of scientific value.
-(1:23) '''How sound is the "survival" argument for space exploration?'''<br>
+(4:12) '''Could we genetically engineer alien lifeforms?'''
-Dr. Marshall believes that an argument based on species self-preservation is, in a sense, an extension of our tribal instincts. We urges us to explore the purely rational reasons for why humanity should survive and outlines two potential arguments: that life is rare, and that our existence is intrinsically valuable for our ability to grasp and understand the universe.
+Dr. Rothschild discusses the possibility of engineering alien organisms, drawing parallels to research on Earth.
-(3:15) '''Where in space do you think we should go?'''<br>
+(5:40) '''What if life in the universe is truly rare?'''
-Dr. Marshall argues that the Moon, not Mars, is the most logical destination for space expansion.
+Dr. Rothschild describes the ethical responsibility we would have to humanity, life on Earth, and life in the Universe.
-(4:44) '''What is an ethical argument against going to Mars?'''<br>
+(6:23) '''Any last words for iGEMers?'''
-Dr. Marshall outlines why the danger of contamination and disrupting a Martian ecosystem would be of cosmic significance.
+Dr. Rothschild’s advice on how to use the tools of synthetic biology.