SXSWORLD

ster-movie doomsday scenarios as well as an inevitable backlash from those who accuse Venter of playing God. Venter dismisses this latter concern as coming from people "with an extreme religious point of view." But he concedes that there are real ethical issues to consider in this field of research, and he insists that he and his team treat the ethical issues with gravity. "We've been dealing with these issues for the last 15 years or more," says Venter, and he adds that they conducted a bioethical review before beginning their first experi- ments years ago. The main goal, according to Venter, is to get the petrochemical industry to start using carbon dioxide as a raw material and ultimately replace as much fossil fuel as possible. 'Replacing a billion gallons of oil per year would be a small contribution,' he says. Bioethical Issues published a review of the ethics of synthetic biology. Venter says that he is happy with the commission's findings, but that they were largely in line with the findings of previous bioethical reviews. "Obama's commission was the 10th thing, not the first," he says, "and it agreed with the first group." Still, not everyone is as ethical as Venter and the other scientists In December, President Obama's Commission for the Study of PRESENTING 6 FAVES FROM HPX STAGES working on these technologies, and Venter acknowledges that the danger of unscrupulous types using his work for malevolent ends is a concern. "I'm not concerned about the scientific community," he says, noting that scientists have been working with complex biology for decades. However he adds, "We certainly want to work with govern- ments and other organizations to monitor these issues." At SXSW Interactive, the audience will get the chance to hear Venter discuss synthetic biology, DNA and creating the first synthetic life form. At first glance, Venter may seem to be an odd match for SXSW Interactive, but Hugh Forrest, Event Director, thinks he will fit right in: "Whether they are web developers or writers of science fiction, we have always tried to showcase incredibly creative people at SXSW Interactive. Dr Venter's work clearly falls into this paradigm. Moreover, his groundbreaking DNA research points a future in which the human body itself becomes the interface of choice for massive technical innovation." With such ambitious projects, Venter's pursuit of solutions to these large-scale problems may be key to the future. n J. Craig Venter presents "Does the Future Include Synthetic Life?" at SXSW Interactive 2011. Check sxsw.com/interactive for schedule information. SXSW ORLD / F EBRUAR Y 2011 25 BECOME ONE OF OUR FAVES. SUBMIT TO PLAY THE BEST NEW MUSIC FEST. HALIFAX POP EXPLOSION OCT 18-22, 2011 14,000 fans, 150 bands, 18 venues, 5 days halifaxpopexplosion.com Band submissions powered by SAT MARCH 19 8PM PARADISE CAFE 401 EAST 6TH STREET FREE DOWNLOAD AT HALIFAXPOPEXPLOSION.COM

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