Genome editing refers to techniques that can be used to specifically modify genetic material—from the treatment of hereditary diseases to plant breeding. These technologies open up new medical and agricultural possibilities, but at the same time raise ethical, legal, and environmental questions. This page highlights the application prospects, risks, and framework conditions of genome editing.
Will Genome Editing lead to “Designer life”? ▸
It sounds like a promise of salvation: diseased segments of DNA are cut out using molecular scissors and replaced with healthy segments. That is the basic principle of genome editing. Yet these new methods are also controversial. While robust, high-yield crops can help combat famine, concerns are also growing about their unpredictable impact on the environment. New cures and treatment methods raise questions about the possible long-term effects of interventions to the germ-line.
It seems that CRISPR/Cas9 can be used in all organisms. The technique has raised hopes for possible applications in medicine, animal breeding, biotechnology and crop research. Using CRISPR/Cas9, genetic modification can be used to research diseases, improve the food supply, cure hereditary diseases, find new ways of fighting cancer and HIV, and breed more resilient animals and crops. Suddenly, everything seems possible.
All over the world, scientists are discussing the opportunities and risks of genome editing. Plant geneticists want to breed resilient, high-yield plants to combat famine. Critics warn against the unpredictable impact on human health and the environment. Medical experts want to cure hereditary diseases and treat cancer while ethicists fear that this could lead to “designer humans”.
