Week 1 HW: Principles and Practices
Class Assignment: Biosensors for Anxiety
1. Describe a biological engineering application or tool you want to develop and why.
Currently as I am working with microbiome sequencing, I have developed an interest in the relationship between the microbiome and mental health, hence my interest in using genetically modified bacteria to create biosensors for anxiety. Consider bacteria like Lactobacillus reuteri, which are specifically engineered to identify high quantities of cortisol, the hormone that human bodies release during stressful situations. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a naturally occurring substance that aids in nervous system relaxation, would be produced by the modified bacteria in response to an increase in these cortisol levels. Not everyone reacts to traditional anxiety medications equally, and they frequently have negative side effects. So my proposed strategy presents a viable substitute—a probiotic supplement that supports mental health in real time and functions organically with the body. The simplicity of this concept—using something as ubiquitous as gut microbes to create a significant impact—is what makes it beautiful and potentially innocuous.
2. Describe one or more governance/policy goals related to ensuring that this application or tool contributes to an “ethical” future, like ensuring non-malfeasance (preventing harm). Break big goals down into two or more specific sub-goals.
This technology needs to be developed ethically if it is to be genuinely helpful. The following are the main objectives that ought to direct its governance: Promoting safety, preventing harm, and upholding ethical behaviors are the main objectives.
- Sub-Goal 1: Biosafety - Reduce the possibility of accidentally releasing genetically modified bacteria into the environment. Make sure the modified strains don’t upset the human gut microbiome’s natural equilibrium.
- Sub-Goal 2: Informed Consent and Public Awareness - Provide simple, understandable information to users regarding the biosensor’s operation. Encourage openness by making sure individuals are aware of the advantages as well as any possible risks.
- Sub-Goal 3: Access Equity - Make sure that not only a select few have access to this technology. Ensuring extensive and cheap access is essential in Ecuador due to its various communities and healthcare inequities. In Ecuador, genetically modified (GM) crops and seeds are banned, except in rare cases where the President and the National Assembly approve them for national interest. Although GM crops are not grown locally, some food products containing GM ingredients (like maize and soy) are imported. Additionally, research with GMOs is allowed under strict biosafety conditions. Food products with over 0.9% GM content must be labeled clearly. This regulatory context will guide how Sbiosensors are developed and used responsibly in Ecuador.
3. Describe at least three different potential governance “actions” by considering the four aspects below (Purpose, Design, Assumptions, Risks of Failure & “Success”).
Governance Actions
| Action | Purpose | Design | Assumptions | Risks of Failure & Success |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Biosafety Certification | Confirm that the bacteria are safe for people and the environment. | Review by the National Biosafety Committee (CONABIO) and the Ministry of Public Health. | Belief that existing biosafety protocols are sufficient. | Potential for unforeseen health risks or environmental issues. |
| 2. Public Education Campaigns | Help the public understand biosensors and their safety. | Awareness programs led by NGOs, universities, and health agencies. | Assuming public trust will naturally follow accurate information. | Misinformation could spread more rapidly than facts. |
| 3. International Collaboration | Ensure Ecuador’s policies align with global biosafety standards. | Ecuador already collaborates with organizations such as FAO and WHO on biosafety issues. The goal is to extend these collaborations to cover new technologies, including biosensors for mental health applications. | Expectation that international guidelines fit Ecuador’s context. | Some global policies may not consider local Ecuadorian realities. |
| 4. Equity Monitoring Program | Guarantee equal access to the technology across all regions. | Oversight by public health institutions focusing on affordability and distribution. | Assumes regulations will prevent unequal access. | Risk of high costs or limited availability in remote communities. |
4. Score (from 1-3 with, 1 as the best, or n/a) each of your governance actions against your rubric of policy goals.
| Does the option: | Action 1: Biosafety Certification | Action 2: Public Education Campaigns | Action 3: International Collaboration | Action 4: Equity Monitoring Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enhance Biosecurity | ||||
| • By preventing incidents | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| • By helping respond | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Foster Lab Safety | ||||
| • By preventing incidents | 1 | 3 | 2 | N/A |
| • By helping respond | 2 | 1 | 2 | N/A |
| Protect the environment | ||||
| • By preventing incidents | 1 | N/A | 2 | 3 |
| • By helping respond | 2 | N/A | 2 | 2 |
| Other considerations | ||||
| • Minimizing costs and burdens to stakeholders | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| • Feasibility? | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| • Not impede research | 1 | 1 | 1 | N/A |
| • Promote constructive applications | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
5. Drawing upon this scoring, describe which governance option, or combination of options, you would prioritize, and why. Outline any trade-offs you considered as well as assumptions and uncertainties.
Biosafety Certification is the most important factor when it comes to scoring because it guarantees that the product is safe for human use and reduces environmental hazards. Prior to any public deployment, this fundamental step is essential. International collaboration is also key, as it offers access to global biosafety standards, proven governance frameworks, and technical support. Ecuador already works with organizations such as the FAO and WHO, and expanding these collaborations can strengthen the effectiveness of national efforts across biosafety, education, and equity. The significance of public education campaigns, which promote understanding and trust among the general public and are essential for acceptance and appropriate use, comes next. Finally, the Equity Monitoring Program is also important since it will help guarantee that the technology is accessible to everyone who needs it, not just those in places with ample resources, especially in Ecuador where access to healthcare can differ greatly between urban and rural areas. By defining a balance between these criteria, biosensors for anxiety will develop into a useful, moral, and safe instrument that will benefit not only Ecuador but the entire world.
References
- Bravo, J. A., Forsythe, P., Chew, M. V., Escaravage, E., Savignac, H. M., Dinan, T. G., … & Cryan, J. F. (2011). Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(38), 16050-16055.
- Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews. Neuroscience, 13(10), 701–712. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3346
- https://www.ambiente.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/08/BIOSEGURIDAD.pdf
- https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/gmfp/docs/Biosafety%20Brochure.pdf
- Santos, E., Sánchez, E., Hidalgo, L., Chávez, T., Villao, L., Pacheco, R., & Navarrete, O. (2014, August). Status and challenges of genetically modified crops and food in Ecuador. In XXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture: Sustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): 1110 (pp. 229-235).
The assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT was employed to help clarify ideas, revise language and grammar.