Why gene editing is so controversial | The World

ABC News (Australia)

5 Dec 201804:07

Summary

TLDRThe script discusses the groundbreaking yet controversial field of gene editing, exemplified by the birth of genetically modified babies by Chinese scientists. It raises ethical concerns and questions the readiness of society to handle such advancements. CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool, has shown potential in treating diseases like HIV and cancer, but its use on human embryos intended for birth is a new and contentious frontier. The summary highlights the rapid pace of scientific progress outpacing regulatory measures and the profound ethical dilemmas it presents.

Takeaways

🧬 The DNA of a human embryo contains genetic information from both parents and can be altered through gene editing.
👶 The birth of Lulu and Alana, reportedly the first genetically modified babies, sparked controversy and ethical debates.
🔬 Gene editing technology, specifically CRISPR-Cas9, allows for precise and cost-effective modifications to DNA sequences.
🌟 Scientists are exploring gene editing to prevent genetic diseases like hemophilia or HIV by modifying human genes.
🧪 CRISPR has been used in various applications, including editing mosquito genes to combat disease and creating plants with desirable traits.
⚠️ There are significant ethical concerns and potential risks associated with gene editing, including unintended consequences and long-term effects on future generations.
🧐 The scientific community is divided, with many advocating for caution and further research before applying gene editing to human embryos intended for birth.
🚫 Gene editing in human embryos has been largely confined to laboratory settings, with most scientists urging a slow and considered approach.
🌐 The rapid advancement of gene-editing technology outpaces regulatory frameworks, raising questions about safety and oversight.
🤔 The script prompts a broader discussion on whether society is prepared to address the profound ethical questions that arise from such powerful scientific capabilities.

Q & A

What is DNA and its role in a human embryo?
-DNA is the blueprint for life, encoded in sequences within strands of genetic material. It determines an individual's traits, appearance, and susceptibility to certain diseases. In a human embryo, DNA is inherited half from the mother and half from the father.
What is gene editing and how does it work?
-Gene editing is a scientific process that involves altering the DNA sequences to change an organism's traits or the expression of its genes. It works by using techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, which allows for precise and cost-efficient editing of genes.
Why did the announcement of the first genetically modified babies create controversy?
-The announcement of the first genetically modified babies, named Lulu and Alana, created controversy because it raised ethical questions about the morality and potential harm of altering human DNA at such an early stage, as well as concerns about the lack of regulation and the unknown long-term consequences.
What is CRISPR-Cas9 and how is it used in gene editing?
-CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to add, remove, or alter sections of the DNA sequence with high precision. It has been used in various applications, including disease prevention, plant modification, and research into genetic diseases.
What are some potential applications of gene editing technology?
-Gene editing technology, such as CRISPR-Cas9, has potential applications in eliminating genetic diseases like hemophilia or HIV, modifying plants to have fewer excess branches, and even controlling the mosquito population to combat diseases like malaria.
What are the ethical concerns associated with gene editing in humans?
-Ethical concerns with gene editing in humans include the potential for unintended consequences, the possibility of editing genes that could be passed down to future generations, and the moral implications of altering the natural course of human evolution.
Why do some scientists advocate for a cautious approach to gene editing in humans?
-Some scientists advocate for a cautious approach because gene editing is a complex process that can have unknown or unintended consequences. There is also a risk of scientists targeting the wrong section of DNA, and the regulatory mechanisms have not kept pace with the rapid advancements in the technology.
What is the current stance of the scientific community on editing genes in human embryos?
-The scientific community is divided, with many urging a cautious approach. While some experiments have been successful in non-viable embryos, there is widespread agreement that more research is needed before editing genes in viable human embryos intended for birth.
How does gene editing technology like CRISPR compare to previous methods?
-CRISPR technology is considered more precise and cost-efficient compared to previous gene-editing methods. It has significantly advanced the field by allowing for targeted and specific changes to DNA sequences with relatively simple techniques.
What are the potential risks of using gene editing to alter human traits?
-The potential risks include off-target effects where the wrong DNA sequences are edited, the possibility of unforeseen health consequences, and the ethical dilemma of making permanent changes to the human genome that could affect future generations.
What is the role of regulatory mechanisms in governing gene editing?
-Regulatory mechanisms play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and ethical use of gene editing. They are responsible for establishing guidelines and policies, monitoring research, and evaluating the potential risks and benefits of gene-editing technologies.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Genetic Modification and Ethical Concerns

This paragraph introduces the concept of genetic modification in human embryos, raising the possibility of preventing genetic diseases or altering traits. It discusses the birth of genetically modified babies Lulu and Alana by Chinese scientists, which caused a significant stir in the scientific community due to ethical concerns. The paragraph also touches on the broader implications of gene editing, including the potential for harm and the need to consider the moral and scientific power behind such technology. It sets the stage for a discussion on the technology used, known as CRISPR-Cas9, and its applications beyond human DNA, such as in agriculture and disease control.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. In the video, DNA is discussed as the 'blueprint for life' that is inherited half from the mother and half from the father. It is the focus of gene editing, where scientists aim to alter or modify it to prevent genetic diseases or change certain traits.

💡Gene Editing

Gene editing is a group of technologies that allow scientists to change an organism's DNA. The video discusses gene editing as a method to potentially prevent genetic diseases or eliminate certain traits by modifying the DNA sequences. It is a central theme of the video, with a particular focus on the ethical and scientific implications of using this technology on human embryos.

💡CRISPR-Cas9

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows for precise editing of DNA sequences. It is mentioned in the video as the technique reportedly used by Dr. He to create the first genetically modified babies. CRISPR-Cas9 has made gene editing more precise and cost-efficient, leading to its use in various research projects, from disease elimination to plant modification.

💡Genetic Disease

A genetic disease is a disorder caused by variations in the genome, particularly in the DNA. The video mentions the potential of gene editing to prevent genetic diseases, such as hemophilia or HIV, by eliminating the genes that lead to these conditions. The discussion of genetic diseases highlights the motivation behind the development and use of gene-editing technologies.

💡Ethical Questions

Ethical questions are moral dilemmas that arise when considering the implications of certain actions or decisions. In the context of the video, ethical questions are raised regarding the use of gene editing on human embryos, particularly concerning the potential for harm, the power of science, and the moral implications of altering the 'blueprint for life.'

💡Scientific World

The scientific world refers to the community of scientists, researchers, and scholars engaged in scientific pursuits. In the video, the scientific world's reaction to the announcement of the first genetically modified babies is described as one of shock and disdain, illustrating the controversy and debate that gene editing technologies can provoke within this community.

💡Morality

Morality refers to the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. The video discusses the morality of gene editing, questioning whether it is ethical to alter the genetic makeup of humans, especially at the earliest stages of life, and the potential consequences of such actions.

💡Unintended Consequences

Unintended consequences are outcomes that were not anticipated or intended. The video mentions the possibility of unintended consequences when editing genes, such as scientists attacking the wrong section of DNA or not fully understanding the long-term effects of gene alterations. This concept underscores the caution needed in the application of gene-editing technologies.

💡Regulatory Mechanisms

Regulatory mechanisms are the rules, laws, and policies that govern a particular field or activity. In the video, it is noted that the pace of scientific advancement in gene editing is outpacing the regulatory mechanisms designed to oversee it, raising concerns about the need for proper oversight and guidelines to ensure the safe and ethical use of these technologies.

💡Genetically Modified Babies

Genetically modified babies are infants whose DNA has been altered through gene editing before or at the time of conception. The video discusses the creation of the first living genetically modified babies by Chinese scientists, which sparked significant controversy and debate. This term is central to the video's exploration of the boundaries of gene editing in humans.

💡Potential for Harm

The potential for harm refers to the possibility of negative outcomes or damage resulting from a particular action or decision. In the context of gene editing, the video raises concerns about the potential harm that could come from altering human DNA, especially given the current state of knowledge and the speed at which this technology is advancing.

Highlights

The concept of adding or removing DNA to prevent genetic diseases or alter traits.

The birth of genetically modified babies Lulu and Alana in China, a groundbreaking yet controversial event.

The global scientific community's shock and ethical concerns following the announcement of gene-edited babies.

Gene editing's potential to change an organism's traits and prevent diseases by altering DNA sequences.

Introduction of CRISPR-Cas9, a precise and cost-effective gene-editing tool.

Scientists in London using CRISPR to develop a method to eliminate the world's mosquito population.

Researchers in New York using CRISPR to create plants with fewer excess branches.

The potential of gene editing to counter genetic diseases like hemophilia or HIV.

Chinese scientists using CRISPR to modify genes to treat cancer by preventing immune system rejection.

The ethical debate on gene editing of human embryos and the potential for unintended consequences.

The cautionary approach urged by most scientists regarding the use of CRISPR technology on human genes.

The possibility of scientists targeting the wrong DNA section during gene editing.

The rapid advancement of gene-editing technology outpacing regulatory mechanisms.

Policy statements suggesting we are not ready for gene editing in babies due to unknown long-term effects.

The profound ethical questions that arise with the power of gene editing and the potential for misuse.