Synthetic Biology Data Hazard: Uncertain Accuracy of Source Data#

A red diamond shaped outline (like a warning sign) with a target symbol in the middle.

Description#

The accuracy of the underlying data is not known and so its use may lead to erroneous results or introduce bias.

Examples#

Example 1: Metabolic modelling where inaccurately labelled conversions (e.g. due to computational prediction) might lead to unexpected products being produced by engineered pathways.

Safety Precautions#

Attempt to classify uncertainty if possible to better inform decisions and understand the range of possible outcomes.