Science and technology have progressed significantly in the past decade. For years, scientists searched for a way to edit out unwanted qualities in genes; however, many of their attempts have cause unwanted side effects. On Dec. 1, scientists developed a newer system to manipulate genes, called CRISPR-Cas9, that is safer and more precise than the way that gene editing had been done before.
In some ways, this new tool is a blessing. Now scientists can identify and remove diseased cell lines by changing DNA. Genetic diseases could, in theory, be completely eliminated. Who wouldn't want that? In the United Kingdom, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 in order to completely eliminate a disease called PRRSv in a group of genetically modified pigs. The PRRSv disease is incurable, causing weight loss, reproductive failure, and high mortality rate in pigs, and by eliminating it from the pigs' genome, gene editing has saved farmers thousands of dollars. Another group of researchers in the U.K. were able to genetically change a group of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes which would cause the population of that type of mosquitoes to drop, thus eliminating malaria for good.
A downside of this tool is that there are unknown side effects that could occur in the future. Because this new technology is just recently developed, there have not been enough studies that span a longer period of time.
Other scientists believe that this tool could become dangerous if not used for the right reasons. In his article, Ben Hirshler states that this new technology poses ethical problems, and he reports that a team of researchers in China were using the technology to alter the DNA of human embryos. CRISPR-Cas9 could be used to eliminate disease in humans or used to increase some genetic traits such as intelligence, looks, or strength. This raises red flags because my mind automatically jumps to supersoldier and secret military operations. Think of any superhero movie or comic. Many times, the villain is the product of a lab experiment or serum gone wrong. In science, genetically modifying humans raises concerns because editing genes that could then be passed down poses many unforeseen consequences.
At the National Academy of Sciences International Summit that ended this week, scientists came to the conclusion that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 needs to be closely monitored and that using this technology for pregnancy should be strictly forbidden.
"This so-called germline editing—manipulating sperm, eggs or early embryos—wouldn't affect just one sick person but his or her descendants."
I believe that this technology is a great step forward in starting to cure diseases that can be transmitted through bugs and animals, but it should be closely monitored. Just like cloning, I have a feeling that this is going to be a hotly debated topic within the scientific community for quite some time.
