Don't Fear the CRISPR - Comments

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In summary: There are also other techniques that exist like TALENs and ZFNs which supposedly have lower off target effects (which come at the cost of lower efficiency), but get far less press. Don't forget, siRNAs got tons of hype when they first came out too and were supposed to revolutionize medicine and our treatments of disease. Well, we're still waiting for the revolution over a decade later, and many pharma companies have completely abandoned siRNAs due to their intractability for...I think the article primarily discusses CRISPR-Cas9 and its potential for designer babies.He states that Crispr-Cas9 was just tried in human embryos and it had horrendous off target effects
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UK scientists are allowed to test CRISPR-Cas9 with human embryos.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35459054
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/fdda5bf9f0314b748c7438c9659da83a/britain-approves-controversial-gene-editing-technique
 
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<h2> What is CRISPR and how does it work?</h2><p>CRISPR is a tool used in genetic engineering that allows scientists to make precise changes to an organism's DNA. It works by targeting specific sequences of DNA and cutting them using a protein called Cas9. This allows scientists to add, remove, or modify specific genes.</p><h2> Is CRISPR safe for use in humans?</h2><p>The safety of CRISPR in humans is still being researched and debated. While it has shown great potential in treating genetic diseases, there are concerns about off-target effects and unintended consequences. More studies and regulations are needed before it can be used safely in humans.</p><h2> Can CRISPR be used to create designer babies?</h2><p>CRISPR has the potential to edit the DNA of embryos, which could theoretically lead to the creation of "designer babies." However, this is currently not allowed and is highly controversial. Ethical and moral considerations must be taken into account before any use of CRISPR in human embryos is approved.</p><h2> How is CRISPR being used in agriculture?</h2><p>CRISPR has been used in agriculture to create crops with desirable traits, such as increased yield or resistance to pests and diseases. It has also been used to improve the nutritional value of certain crops. However, there are concerns about the potential impact of genetically modified crops on the environment and human health.</p><h2> What are the potential ethical implications of using CRISPR?</h2><p>The use of CRISPR raises ethical questions, such as the potential for creating genetically modified humans, the unequal access to this technology, and the unintended consequences of genetic manipulation. It is important for scientists and policymakers to carefully consider these implications before using CRISPR in any application.</p>

FAQ: Don't Fear the CRISPR - Comments

What is CRISPR and how does it work?

CRISPR is a tool used in genetic engineering that allows scientists to make precise changes to an organism's DNA. It works by targeting specific sequences of DNA and cutting them using a protein called Cas9. This allows scientists to add, remove, or modify specific genes.

Is CRISPR safe for use in humans?

The safety of CRISPR in humans is still being researched and debated. While it has shown great potential in treating genetic diseases, there are concerns about off-target effects and unintended consequences. More studies and regulations are needed before it can be used safely in humans.

Can CRISPR be used to create designer babies?

CRISPR has the potential to edit the DNA of embryos, which could theoretically lead to the creation of "designer babies." However, this is currently not allowed and is highly controversial. Ethical and moral considerations must be taken into account before any use of CRISPR in human embryos is approved.

How is CRISPR being used in agriculture?

CRISPR has been used in agriculture to create crops with desirable traits, such as increased yield or resistance to pests and diseases. It has also been used to improve the nutritional value of certain crops. However, there are concerns about the potential impact of genetically modified crops on the environment and human health.

What are the potential ethical implications of using CRISPR?

The use of CRISPR raises ethical questions, such as the potential for creating genetically modified humans, the unequal access to this technology, and the unintended consequences of genetic manipulation. It is important for scientists and policymakers to carefully consider these implications before using CRISPR in any application.

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