CRISPR is the process of manipulating genes to produce certain results and it's scary-effective. This week, UC Berkeley’s Innovative Genomics Initiative, successfully used CRISPR to "correct" a genetic mutation that leads to sickle cell disease. Efficient and precise. We can wipe this disease from the Earth. After that, the next disease and the next. In Aug. '16, the Chinese began CRISPR human trials to treat lung cancer.
Why stop there? CRISPR allows us to beat evolution. Scientists are developing gene drives targeted at entire populations, deleting bad genes and putting artificial good ones into the genetic stream. Natural selection takes care of the rest.
Moreover, how does translate into social policy? Who determines which genes are good or bad? Are genetically-modified persons deserving of more privileges than the natural ones?
Genetic engineering is the Pandora's box of biology. Asking ourselves the hard questions now is better than latter.
Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-crispr-sickle-cell-20161012-snap-story.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/evolution/crispr-gene-drives/
http://www.nature.com/news/chinese-scientists-to-pioneer-first-human-crispr-trial-1.20302
