Do we have the power to change our genes? Can we fix mutations and cure disease? Can we change someone’s eye color?

Yes!

Should we?

That answer is more complicated.

On Wednesday night, Professor Yapici led an interesting discussion about the future of gene editing. We discussed the history and process of CRISPR, and how it is being used today. I had learned about CRISPR in previous biology classes, but never before did I realize how accessible the technology is to everyday citizens. The technology has been revolutionary, and scientists use it as a basic technique to design and run other experiments. However, now CRISPR is becoming accessible to non-scientists as well.  It amazes me, how the technology, younger than I am, has truly transformed science!

I never before considered all of the effects of a new technology. How will we regulate it? Who will have access to it? These are difficult questions, and its hard to come up with answers as fast as the technology is developed. Its important to consider, however, since powerful technology can come with powerful consequences. During our discussion, I realized that technology really is ever-changing and evolves so quickly. After all, before we finish deciding how to regulate CRISPR, there might be an even newer technology on the way. Who knows what will be next?