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The advent of enzyme complex CRISPR/Cas9 has ushered in a new age of genetic manipulation—it could help us cure diseases or resuscitate extinct species. One of CRISPR’s big advantages is that it’s much easier to use than its predecessors. So easy, in fact, that amateur biohackers are using it in their experiments, according to a report from Nature News.
It’s natural to be nervous about this. CRISPR is a powerful tool that scientists don’t fully understand, and it can have unintended consequences even when used cautiously. Ever since April, when a team of Chinese researchers published their findings after using CRISPR to change the genes of human embryos, the discussion has reached a fever pitch. Experts have been discussing the issue of consent (embryos can’t consent to having their genes manipulated, and the effects could be passed down for generations), the consequences of introducing an unintended change, and the effects on the ecosystem should a genetically manipulated animal break free from the lab.
http://www.popsci.com/biohackers-are-now-using-crispr
Article at Nature
(Score: 2) by morgauxo on Friday August 28 2015, @05:42PM
If it does create a new problem then you have a new problem to chose between either passing on or not. It's just like how people with genetic problems have the choice today of either having kids and taking the risk of passing down the problem or not having kids. At least technology could give people a third option, a chance of fixing the problem once and for all.
But what if it doesn't create a new problem? Or what if the new problem is better than the original one?