“Genetic engineering is the next step and future of conservation to recover biodiversity when traditional methods won’t work. That’s why it’s the perfect time to think about law and policy.” ...

“As Gods” is a history of both genetic engineering and the worries—justified, dubious and sometimes outright conspiracist—it has provoked. The technology has had many successes.

Fifty years ago today, scientists met to set safety limits on the new field of genetic engineering. This week researchers meet again to discuss big questions as biotechnology grows more powerful.