Sunday, May 10, 2015

Designer Babies

A new gene- editing technology called the Crispr Cas9 has the potential to eliminate genetic diseases (such as Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia, and numerous forms of cancer) in our DNA that will pass down to our descendants. The powerful tool, Crispr, allows the precise manipulation of a sperm or an egg cell's genetic make up before undergoing cell division. It does so by injecting a certain type of RNA into the blood stream thats splices the unwanted chromosome out of the DNA, altering the helix.

Some people are opposed to the idea when viewed from a religious stand point. Some are excited with the idea of a "super human" that could be possible down the years. If scientists can get rid off  diseases from our genes, why wouldnt it be possible to enhance favorable traits such as intelligence and strength?

Thus article is closely related to the ethical views of existentialism. An individuals take on whether or not they should allow genetic editing in their lives should not be swayed by naysayers or proponents. These individuals should act upon their free will, like myself who is ecstatic with the idea of being completely disease free and able to live longer the life expectancy.

Do you think it will ever come to a point where single individuals advertise their genetic make up in hopes of creating "designer" babies?

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/may/10/crispr-genome-editing-dna-upgrade-technology-genetic-disease

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