瑞恩·费伦: 人工助力自然界的预期后果

人工助力自然界的预期后果

从一只特殊的黑足雪貂到可以抵御水域变暖的珊瑚，利用基因组学和合成生物学的基因拯救工作正在助力自然界蓬勃发展。 但是，尽管这种干预取得了巨大的成功，环保创新者瑞恩·费伦指出，对意外后果的恐惧往往会扼杀创新——有进一步灭绝的风险。 她提出了接受基因工具的“预期后果”的理由，这些工具有能力恢复地球生态的平衡性、丰富度和生物多样性。

Biotech entrepreneur, conservation innovator

Genetic technologies are reviving endangered species and rebalancing fragile ecosystems, from cloning black-footed ferrets to engineering blight-resistant American chestnut trees. Despite dramatic successes, fear of unintended consequences often blocks innovation and risks further loss. In one striking case, a ferret cloned from 33-year-old cells now carries three times more genetic diversity than any living relative. Embracing bold, science-based interventions can help countless species survive the escalating impacts of climate change and habitat loss.