Level-1
Congratulations!
Public participation in scientific research often starts in the community, around community concerns, and has a strong foundation in education - from mentorship to community events and science communication. Open access labs are hubs of citizen science.
Today's clue brought you to learn more about Genspace, an open access lab founded in 2009, and biosafety levels.
Biosafety levels (BSL) or Risk Groups, range from 1 to 4, 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. Citizen science will operate at BSL-1 in 99% of the times since this is a level that is safe because it relies on use of microorganisms that are non-pathogenic - not harmful, and in North America, you can do these experiments without government approval. Learn more about Safe Science Practices
| Biosafety Level 1 bacteria are not infectious and therefore do not pose a threat to an healthy individual. This is why you are able to use this bacteria at home or in a classroom and don’t require a large lab that is monitored by the government. Level 1 does require basic safety procedures such as wearing gloves. Learn more about Safe Science Practices |
| Biosafety Level 2 organisms can be harmful to an individual but are easy to control, and do not spread easily - this is the flu, Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus, Salmonella. To do this work, you need a Government-approved lab space that includes specific equipment to contain the organisms and work in. You also need to follow specific lab safety procedure that go beyond wearing gloves. |
| Biosafety Level 3 and 4 use microorganisms that are infectious and would likely cause death if you came into contact with them. From Ebola to COVID-19, these are not microorganisms you want to work without heavy protection. |
Today, Genspace programs help demystify scientific processes, provide a platform for innovation, and cultivate the next generation of life sciences leaders in emerging global technologies, such as biotechnology, neuroscience, epidemiology, genomics, and many more. With a mission to foster a safe and inclusive community where all people – including those from non-traditional and underrepresented backgrounds – can experientially learn, boldly create, and meaningfully grow with the life sciences, Genspace is a leader and an example to follow in citizen science.