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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 Phoenix666 on Saturday August 29 2015, @01:16AM
I agree with you. I would much rather humans have the ability to consciously direct their genetic destiny. Yes, there are risks. There are ethical considerations. There are also ethical considerations to having the ability to do something, and yet not doing it because. That is, if you have the ability to cure cystic fibrosis, but you don't because you don't want to "play God," then you condemn that person and her family to lifelong suffering and heartbreak.
There are many more slippery slopes surrounding the topic than can be covered in a quick post here, or anywhere. But I'd hope that we could at least achieve consensus on using CRISPR and its successors to eliminate inherited disorders.
Washington DC delenda est.