While genetic engineering is considered to be based on interventions into existing organisms, which could not occure naturally, "Synthetic Biology" is defined by its promotors as "the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, and the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes." On May 20-22 in Berkely, California, an international conference will discuss latest developments and a proposal for self-governance to handle the massive challenges of biosafety and biosecurity as well as societal impacts of "SB". A global coalition of NGOs has issued an open letter to the participants asking them to abstain from a self-regulatory approach and enter a broad dialogue about binding regulations instead.</p><p><a href="http://www.etcgroup.org/article.asp?newsid=562">Open letter: Global Coalition Sounds the Alarm on Synthetic Biology - Demands Oversight and Societal Debate</a></p><p><a href="http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/research/story/0,,1780455,00.html">Guardian: Concern over creation of new life forms</a></p><p><a href="http://syntheticbiology.org/">Synthetic Biology web-site with link to conference and discussion</a></p><p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/17/science/17synt.html?ei=5070&en=06e88d255305d100&ex=1148097600&pagewanted=print">New York Times (Jan 2006): Custom-Made Microbes, at Your Service</a></p><p><a href="http://www.syntheticgenomics.com">homepage of Craig Venters Synthetic Genomics Inc.</a>