Genetic engineering isn't new, but CRISPR is, and it's a stunningly fast, flexible, cheap way to manipulate the code of life. It's so revolutionary (and unnerving) that hundreds of scientists and policymakers are continuously reviewing and researching the implications of this astonishing technology.
The reason CRISPR is so controversial is that it works well on mammalian"germline" cells, such as sperm, eggs and embryonic cells, and the genetic editing can therefore result in heritable traits.
This increasing power and accessibility of genetic technology may one day give parents the option of modifying their unborn children, in order to spare offspring from disease or, conceivably, make them tall, well muscled, intelligent or otherwise blessed with desirable traits.
1. Would this change mean empowering parents to give their children the best start possible? Or would it mean designer babies who could face unforeseen genetic problems?
2. Do you support human genetic engineering? Explain why.
3. What are the pros and cons? Do the benefits outweigh the consequences?
4. Would eugenics be a concern? If you do not know what this is, here is a link: Eugenics (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
5. What parameters would you suggest setting (if any) around human genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering isn't new, but CRISPR is, and it's a stunningly fast, flexible, cheap way to manipulate the code of life. It's so revolutionary (and unnerving) that hundreds of scientists and policymakers are continuously reviewing and researching the implications of this astonishing technology.
The reason CRISPR is so controversial is that it works well on mammalian"germline" cells, such as sperm, eggs and embryonic cells, and the genetic editing can therefore result in heritable traits.
This increasing power and accessibility of genetic technology may one day give parents the option of modifying their unborn children, in order to spare offspring from disease or, conceivably, make them tall, well muscled, intelligent or otherwise blessed with desirable traits.
1. Would this change mean empowering parents to give their children the best start possible? Or would it mean designer babies who could face unforeseen genetic problems?
2. Do you support human genetic engineering? Explain why.
3. What are the pros and cons? Do the benefits outweigh the consequences?
4. Would eugenics be a concern? If you do not know what this is, here is a link: Eugenics (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
5. What parameters would you suggest setting (if any) around human genetic engineering?
