5 
A noteworthy feature of recombinant DNA research is that few if any 
of the NIH grants or contracts involving its use support such research 
per se. The new technology has evolved in the search for better methods 
to study control of gene function, a fundamental key to numerous biological 
and medical problems. Recombinant techniques are but a few of many 
techniques employed in such research. They are thus analogous to the 
use of radioisotopes. And like radioisotopes, they are used world-wide 
and are not confined to NIH-supported research in this country or abroad. 
In light of the uncertainties surrounding the benefits and hypothetical 
risks of the use of recombinant DNA technologies, NIH believes it 
important to have a recombinant DNA "program" in the interest of 
providing and implementing safety guidelines and of assessing the 
potential of the research for good and harm. 
