SCIENCE sometimes produces world-threatening technologies. Thirty-five years ago, genetic engineering was in its infancy, but dangers such as the creation of new viruses were clearly visible. So the field’s top scientists headed to Asilomar in California to discuss how to regulate their work. They recognised the need to pause and think before plunging into action. The meeting has gone down in history as setting the stage for a golden era of biological research.
Last week, Asilomar hosted another meeting with epoch-marking potential. Leading researchers in geoengineering gathered to debate how best to organise a mission to save the planet from…
