16/08/2021
https://www.rationalmind.show/critical-thinking
Very few scientific discoveries receive widespread public interest. But the gene editing technique known as CRISPR -Cas has been the subject of intense public discussion.. The idea of being able to directly manipulate the genome of living organisms, including humans, evokes feelings of excitement, anticipation, and concern.
CRISPR -CAS is the science that will give us the ability to cure rare and common diseases including AIDS and cancer. It allows us to increase agricultural yield in the face of a changing climate, to revive extinct species, get rid of malaria, or even enhance human health and longevity.
When it comes to genetic technology, most people are quick to form an opinion or stick to a position. But how many of us have actually dusted off their biology books and gone deep into the new scientific findings, in order to fully understand this new technology, with its potentials and limitations? Shouldn’t understanding be the basis of any debate or discussion? This technology has the potential to change humanity in profound ways. Isn’t it worth truly knowing what is happening, before public opinion once again shapes public policy in ways that hinder rather than facilitate progress?
There are so many questions about gene editing and specifically CRISPR. What is it? How does it work? What has it already been used for? What are the potential and promising applications? What are the dangers? Are designer babies a real thing? How do we deal with all this?
Join us in this episode of Rational Mind as we explore the answers to all these questions.