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NIH Guidelines for Recombinant Research

The Office of Biotechnology Activities, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is responsible for promoting proper safety and the use of sound ethics where research is concerned. Specific guidelines have been established in the area of recombinant DNA research.

  1. Identification

    • In research, a DNA strip is genetically modified when something foreign is added to it by a research scientist. The technique was first developed by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Norman Cohen. It is used to study proteins and ideally to help in the treatment of certain diseases.

    Significance

    • The NIH established guidelines in a manual containing more than 70 pages of information for researchers and scientists. Anyone participating in recombinant DNA research must refer to this publication. NIH states the purpose of these guidelines is to specify the correct practices in the handling of DNA molecules, and organisms or viruses containing DNA molecules.

    Compliance

    • In order to receive funding for research, the institution must comply with the NIH guidelines. The source of the funding has no bearing on this regulation. According to the office of Biotechnology Activities, non-compliance can result in the limiting, suspending or complete termination of funding for recombinant DNA research.

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