The World Needs a Better Way to Share Genetic Information

The World Needs a Better Way to Share Genetic Information

Analysis:

1. Advancement in Genomics: Over the past five years, sequencing technologies have drastically improved, enabling scientists to read long DNA strands accurately and at lower costs. This allows recording of near-complete genomes with minimal gaps or uncertainty.
2. Earth Biogenome Project (EBP):This ambitious initiative aims to sequence all eukaryotic life on Earth, including plants, animals, fungi, and other complex organisms. Its objectives include:
   • Understanding evolutionary processes and biodiversity patterns.
   • Monitoring how endangered species respond to climate change and environmental pressures.
   • Identifying biologically useful compounds, such as novel antibiotics or other therapeutic agents.
3. Challenges in Sharing Genetic Data:
   • Current international frameworks, particularly the Nagoya Protocol, restrict the sharing of genetic resources and related information due to intellectual property rights and benefit-sharing concerns.
   • This limits global collaboration and slows scientific progress, especially in responding to urgent issues like pandemics or biodiversity loss.
4. Need for Policy Rethink:
   • Scientists and policymakers need a mechanism that balances the protection of national and indigenous rights with open, responsible sharing of genetic data for global benefit.
   • A revised global framework could accelerate innovation, conservation, and public health research.

Updated - 31 Jul 2025 ; 9: 23 PM |  The Economist