The World Health Organization should strongly support genetic studies involving the artificial recombination of DNA. Although fully recognizing possible risks involved, [these] can be sufficiently minimized to justify continued activity for the benefits of research in this field. This is the nub of the findings of WHO's Advisory Committee on Medical Research after carefully weighing the pros and cons of recombinant DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) studies. The committee has drawn up a nine-point recommendation for consideration by the WHO director-general, Dr. Halfdan Mahler. Items covered range from the desirability of establishing an ACMR subcommittee to keep tabs on safety problems in connection with manipulating microorganisms and cells used in such research to designating WHO collaboration centers where scientists could meet periodically to exchange views and assist in carrying out the work involved. Dr. Martin Kaplan, director of WHO's office of research promotion and development, detailed the re...