A new and precise engineering technique has been brought to light that holds the potential to act as a treatment for cancer, HIV, and inherited genetic disorders. The technique is called Crispr and it allows for detailed alterations to any of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes with minimal to practically no risk of unintended mutations. It works by using RNA guide molecules that are programmed with any unique DNA sequence wanted from the human genome. This piece of RNA is attached to a cutting enzyme that will cut into the DNA double helix, attached the RNA guide molecule, and the unwanted DNA is removed. Crispr isn't just for human gene therapy. It can also be used in agriculture and livestock, though most experts are more impressed with the potential Crispr has with human beings. For example, using this technique, it could be possible to eliminate Down syndrome.
This technique will undoubtedly be attacked by people who do not believe in modifying with the way nature intended. Most likely the arguments that will arise will be that if a person is born with some sort of genetic complication, that they were meant to have it. They will dismiss the fact that Crispr could make a potentially painful and short life into a painless long life. It is of this blogger's opinion that these people might not fully understand that nature is all about testing and changing. Sometimes those tests fail and end up being something that kills instead of aids, so what's the harm in making nature's failures go away? As long as we respect nature and don't go power crazy, Crispr has the potential for greatness.
this is pretty interesting. since many organisms now have been artificially selected for or altered the argument against modifying genomes is kind of nulled. the fact that we can do it through technique rather than cross pollinating foods of interesting doesn't seem like much of a difference
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