Science AMA Series: I’m Dr. Paul Knoepfler, back again to talk about
CRISPR, human genetic modification & designer babies.AMA!
Abstract
Hi, I’m Paul Knoepfler, stem cell and genetics researcher, author, &
blogger. You may have heard about the new gene editing/genetic
modification technology called CRISPR. It is totally changing how we
scientists genetically modified cells and even organisms. What used to
take years and potentially millions of dollars can be done in weeks or
months for a few thousand bucks. In my lab we use CRISPR to do research
on stem cells and cancer. Others are doing similar work for a variety of
other conditions, while some are making new GMOs in record time such as
plants, super-muscled cows or micro pigs CRISPR is transforming the way
we do some of our science, but at the same time it is raising difficult
questions that require public education and debate. For instance, are we
ready to make genetically modified people (what I call GMO sapiens as a
mashup of Homo sapiens and GMO)? Is it OK to do this for trying to
prevent genetic diseases? What about for human enhancement via designer
babies? Could we draw the line between the two? How does this technology
even work and what are the risks? Are past works of art like Brave New
World and GATTACA now appropriate to discuss as human genetic
modification appears to be marching toward reality? Or is that just
going to scare people? What about eugenics turbo-charged by new
technology? How do we find the right balance in discussion of this
revolutionary issue so that we do not freak people out, but at the same
time we have a real discussion that doesn’t sugar coat things or dodge
real potential issues? There’s a lot to talk about so let’s dive in. You
might want to check out my blog at http://www.ipscell.com and my new
book on today’s topic, [GMO Sapiens: The Life Changing Science of
Designer
Babies](http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9542 You
can also view my TED talk on human genetic modification and the
possibility of designer babies.) You can also want follow me on Twitter
@pknoepfler if you like for all the latest, I will be answering
questions starting at 1 PM EST (10 AM PST, 6 pm UTC) Ask Me Anything!