Moscow, June 9 (IANS): Most Russians consider biological innovations useless or even unethical, suggests a poll monitoring innovative behaviour of the population.

Conducted by researchers at the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge here, the poll found that participants neither completely rejected nor accepted novelties and disapproved of their interference in human life. 

"The most cautious attitude has been demonstrated by respondents to biotechnologies implying the intervention into the human life and activities by means of stem cells, gene engineering, or implantable devices. These ideas have gained between 22 and 31 per cent of popularity," researchers said.

Some 50 per cent of respondents said they are ready to use such technologies as domestic solar cells, smog sensors, and smart clothing.

According to the poll, 78 per cent respondents said they were anxious about the birth of children with transmittable diseases, but only 30 per cent said they were ready to take genetic tests.

About 90 per cent of those polled said they were worried about air and water pollution, but only 48 per cent of them said they would like to use pollution alert sensor.

The researchers interviewed 1,671 Russians over 16 in 137 settlements across the country.