"The Gene Hackers"

Science, Tech & Disrupt

"The Gene Hackers"

 By Michael Specter via newyorker.com

Illustration by Todd St. John
 

A powerful new technology enables us to manipulate our DNA more easily than ever before. “Imagine being able to manipulate a specific region of DNA . . . almost as easily as correcting a typo,” CRISPR’s unprecedented ability to edit genetic code will make possible a new generation of medical treatments.

For much of the past century, biology has been consumed with three essential questions: What does each gene do? How do we find the genetic mutations that make us sick? And how can we overcome them? With CRISPR, the answers have become attainable, and we are closing in on a sort of grand unified theory of genetics.

CRISPR technology offers a new outlet for the inchoate fear of tinkering with the fundamentals of life. There are many valid reasons to worry. But it is essential to assess both the risks and the benefits of any new technology. Read full article via newyorker.com.

 

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