Designer babies: Fact or fiction?
Abstract
The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex has opened up new doors for exploring gene editing and modification, including designing babies by choosing favorable genes. Besides being a tool for parents using IVF, gene editing is important for agriculture and many different directions in medicine. Although CRISPR is a viable method of gene editing, gene editing of embryos is not ethical due to implications regarding health disparities and the possible resurgence of the eugenics movement.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Melissa Pespeni
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Biochemistry
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Designer babies: Fact or fiction?
The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex has opened up new doors for exploring gene editing and modification, including designing babies by choosing favorable genes. Besides being a tool for parents using IVF, gene editing is important for agriculture and many different directions in medicine. Although CRISPR is a viable method of gene editing, gene editing of embryos is not ethical due to implications regarding health disparities and the possible resurgence of the eugenics movement.
