#195, CRISPR
CRISPR is a truly remarkable technology. CRISPR, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, precisely modifies DNA using a protein called CAS9—essentially letting us design human beings. Play god.
By modifying the DNA of an unborn child, it is possible that humans will no longer be born with genetic diseases like Huntington's disease, Down syndrome, color blindness, or hemophilia. These genetic defects could be prevented by modifying one's DNA. In addition to prevention, CRISPR can also cure disease. Someone suffering from cancer could simply visit the doctor and have their cells modified using CRISPR, and permanently end their cancer.
How far can CRISPR go?
It can modify eye color, height, weight, strength, skin color, hair length, intelligence, metabolism...whatever the heart desires. And hypothetically—end aging. CRISPR could allow us to live forever.
This technology is just in its infant stages though. It is fraught with risks and uncertainty. Modifying human DNA is opening Pandora's Box and could lead us to some unexpected and frightening consequences.
To complete this Journal response, address the following:
Imagine that by 2020 CRISPR had matured and was considered a safe, reliable technology, so inexpensive that it was available to all. What would the world look like 40 years later? Would it be a world you would want to live in?
Comment on a peer’s response.
-Brenden Lee Teacher