SCIENCE, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, 1970-79 589 



report which would cover the entire area. Included were such matters 

 as creation and manipulation of living cells, prenatal sex determina- 

 tion, control of congenital defects in humans, and efforts ro determine 

 how the chromosome structures might he involved in controlling 

 personality traits. The committee published this second report in 

 December 1974. It bore the same title as the 1972 study and was labeled 

 "Supplemental Report I." Because of the wide demand for the 1972 

 report, the latter was reprinted and incorporated as an appendix to the 

 1974 study. In releasing the report on December 15, 1974, Davis called 

 attention to the "controversial nature of continued research into 

 certain phases of the genetic engineering discipline." 



Once again, in May 1976, the subcommittee made a third request 

 to the Science Policy Research Division to prepare an objective and 

 authoritative report on up-to-date developments in DNA research 

 and its implications. Dr. James M. McCullough, Senior Specialist in 

 Life Sciences at SPRD, prepared the report as he had the prior reports 

 on the subject. Symington, in transmitting the report to Chairman 

 Teague, noted: 



It is my hope that the committee will consider holding hearings on this important 

 area during the next Congress. 



Teague was bolder in his comments. On March 1, 1977, he re- 

 leased this third report and at the same time announced that Thornton's 

 subcommittee would initiate the first in a series of hearings on the 

 issue. Teague stated: 



This is a serious and important matter which involves the freedom of scientific 

 inquiry as well as protection of the public. It has generated a great deal of controversy, 

 some justified, some not. It is also at times an emotional affair, which inevitably 

 means that issues become distorted. Our aim is to look at the research aspects of 

 Recombinant DNA in depth and endeavor to separate scientific fact from fiction in 

 order to give Congress a better basis for making judgments in this area. Clearly, this 

 will also necessitate inquiring into some of the associated social and legal policy 

 questions. 



Teague also had high praise for the quality and tone of the report 

 itself, which he felt served the objectives of the committee in presenting 

 a balanced, reasoned analysis of the issues involved: 



This report (DNA Recombinant Molecule Research) is comprehensive and un- 

 biased. It has been reviewed by a number of the country's outstanding authorities 

 who represent all sides of the question. It is further an excellent case study of the 

 rapidity with which modern technologies evolve from basic research and impact all 

 society. Such issues dramatize the need for the Congress constantly to be aware of any 

 developments in science. They also indicate a potential need for innovative processes 

 to secure public participation in the development of science policies. 



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