ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Science Time Is It Ethical To Genetically Modify Humans With CRISPR?
All life on Earth is encoded in the four letters of DNA: A, T, C, and G. If you were to stretch out all the DNA in a human body, it would reach the moon and back over 300 times. Each cell in your body contains DNA that makes you unique. Just like snowflakes, no two people are exactly alike, not even identical twins. DNA carries the instructions for the development, growth, reproduction, and functioning of all life. However, errors in DNA replication and damage can occur frequently. While most of these errors do not lead to cancer or mutations, some are responsible for nearly 7,000 diseases.
Imagine if you could rewrite the entire human genome from scratch. What would you choose to fix, improve, or enhance? Biotechnology is advancing so rapidly that what was once considered science fiction is now becoming reality. In agriculture, plant genomes are being edited to meet the demands of a growing population, offering more diverse and flavorful food options. Recent breakthroughs in genome engineering allow us to manipulate and reprogram our genomes, potentially altering our destinies.
Artificial intelligence is already being used to study and diagnose a wide range of genetic diseases by analyzing individual genomes. Building on foundational gene transfer experiments, genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 are transforming how we modify human cells. CRISPR-Cas9 originated from a natural system in bacteria, which use DNA snippets from viruses to create CRISPR arrays. These arrays help bacteria remember viruses, enabling them to target the virus if it attacks again.
Dr. Sam Steinberg, a biochemist and expert in CRISPR gene editing, likens CRISPR technology to the “Find and Replace” tool in Microsoft Word. In Word, you search for a specific word or phrase; in CRISPR, you design an RNA molecule to locate a specific sequence in the genome. However, CRISPR is not yet perfectly precise. A more fitting analogy might be a Swiss Army knife, which has various tools for different tasks, similar to CRISPR’s ability to cut, change a single letter, or insert new genetic material.
Dr. George Church, a pioneer in genome engineering, is working on developing gene editing tools based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system. His ambitious goal is to create a complete human genome from scratch, consisting of about 3 billion pairs of nitrogen bases. Although CRISPR technology is still in the early stages of clinical trials, Dr. Church aims to cure and reverse aging. While the idea of genetically engineered people who never age may seem far-fetched, CRISPR could be crucial in combating age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cataracts, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and various types of cancer in the near future.
Progress in this field is advancing faster than many scientists anticipated, thanks to technological and scientific advancements. Currently, it is estimated that for every year you live, you gain an additional three months of life expectancy in the future. Many researchers are beginning to view aging as a disease. David Sinclair, a professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, argues that it’s not a matter of if we can reverse aging, but when. Although there is no scientific consensus on this hypothesis, most experts agree that we need to rethink how we approach aging. If Sinclair is correct, the biggest question is whether society is prepared for such a transformation.
Engage in a structured debate with your classmates on the ethical implications of using CRISPR technology to genetically modify humans. Consider the potential benefits and risks, and discuss whether it is ethical to alter human DNA for purposes such as disease prevention, enhancement, or aging reversal.
Analyze a real-world case study where CRISPR technology was used to edit human genes. Evaluate the outcomes, ethical considerations, and societal impact. Present your findings to the class, highlighting the challenges and successes of the case.
Participate in a hands-on workshop where you simulate the process of genome editing using CRISPR. Use a virtual lab platform to design an RNA molecule that targets a specific DNA sequence. Discuss the precision and potential off-target effects of CRISPR with your peers.
Write a research paper exploring the potential of CRISPR technology in reversing or slowing down aging. Investigate current research, future possibilities, and the societal implications of extending human lifespan. Share your paper with the class for peer review and discussion.
Work in groups to create a presentation on the latest innovations in CRISPR technology. Focus on new techniques, applications in medicine and agriculture, and future prospects. Present your findings to the class, emphasizing the transformative potential of CRISPR.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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All life on Earth is encoded in the four letters of DNA: A, T, C, and G. If you stretched out the entire DNA in a human body, it would reach to the moon and back more than 300 times. Virtually every cell in your body contains DNA that makes you unique. Just like snowflakes, no two people in the world are alike; even monozygotic twins are not genetically identical. DNA carries instructions for the development, growth, reproduction, and functioning of all life. However, replication errors and DNA damage can occur in the cells of our bodies all the time. In most cases, they don’t cause cancer or even mutations. Nevertheless, other DNA errors are the root of nearly 7,000 diseases.
If you could rewrite the entire human genome from scratch, what would you fix, improve, or upgrade? As explained in our previous video, biotechnology is advancing so rapidly that much of the science that was once considered fiction is now part of our everyday lives. The agricultural industry is editing plant genomes to feed a growing population, expand the produce aisle, and create tastier, more convenient food products. Recent advances in genome engineering now enable us to manipulate, customize, and reprogram our genomes, empowering us to rewrite our fate.
Artificial intelligence is already being used to study and diagnose a wide range of genetic diseases by analyzing a person’s genome. Building on primary gene transfer experiments, genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionizing how we modify human cells. CRISPR-Cas9 was adapted from a naturally occurring system in bacteria, which use DNA snippets from invasive viruses to produce sections of DNA known as CRISPR arrays. These arrays allow the bacteria to remember the viruses, generating sections of RNA from the arrays to target the virus if it attacks again.
Dr. Sam Steinberg, a biochemist and expert in CRISPR gene editing technology, uses the “Find and Replace” tool in Microsoft Word to describe what CRISPR technology resembles. In Word, you type what you want to find in the search box; in CRISPR, you create an RNA molecule that searches for a specific sequence in the genome. However, CRISPR is not yet perfectly precise, so a better metaphor might be the Swiss Army knife, which has different blades for different tasks, similar to CRISPR’s ability to cut something out, introduce a single letter change, or make an insertion without a deletion.
Dr. George Church is a pioneer in genome engineering and the development of gene editing tools based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system. He aims to create a complete human genome from scratch, about 3 billion pairs of nitrogen bases. Although CRISPR technology is still in the early stages of clinical trials in human patients, his main goal is to cure and reverse aging. While genetically engineered people who never age may seem unrealistic, it appears that CRISPR could be key to stopping age-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, cataracts, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and various types of cancer in the coming years.
Progress is happening faster than even some of the most prominent scientists have anticipated, thanks to advances in technology and science. Today, it’s estimated that for every year you live, you gain an additional three months of life expectancy in the future. Many researchers are beginning to treat aging as a disease. David Sinclair, a professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, believes that it’s not a question of if we can reverse the aging process, but when. Although there is no scientific consensus on this hypothesis, most experts agree that we need to change the way we cope with aging. If Sinclair is correct, the biggest question we face is whether the world is ready for it.
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This version maintains the core information while removing any informal language and ensuring clarity.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. – The study of DNA has revolutionized our understanding of genetic inheritance and has significant implications for biotechnology.
Biotechnology – The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, often involving the manipulation of DNA and other genetic material. – Biotechnology has enabled the development of genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Genome – The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism. – Sequencing the human genome has provided insights into the genetic basis of many diseases.
CRISPR – A technology that can be used to edit genes and has the potential to correct genetic defects, treat and prevent the spread of diseases, and improve crops. – CRISPR technology has opened new avenues for research in genetic modification and therapy.
Artificial Intelligence – The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems, which can include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. – Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in biology to analyze complex datasets and predict disease outbreaks.
Aging – The process of becoming older, a biological phenomenon that involves the gradual deterioration of cellular and organismal function over time. – Research into the biology of aging aims to understand the mechanisms that contribute to age-related diseases.
Diseases – Disorders or malfunctions of the body or mind that result in a set of symptoms and signs, often caused by genetic, environmental, or infectious factors. – Advances in genomics have improved our ability to diagnose and treat genetic diseases.
Modification – The alteration of the genetic material of an organism, often to achieve desired traits or outcomes. – Genetic modification of bacteria has been used to produce insulin for diabetes treatment.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research in artificial intelligence is enhancing our ability to model complex biological systems.
Ethics – The branch of philosophy that deals with moral principles, guiding the conduct of research and application in fields such as biology and artificial intelligence. – The ethics of using CRISPR technology in human embryos is a topic of significant debate among scientists and ethicists.
