CRISPR

CRISPR, a cutting-edge genome editing technique, has ushered in a new era in biotechnology. Current and promising CRISPR initiatives include developing pest-resistant and resilient crops; treating a range of diseases, such as cancers, sickle cell disease, and numerous rare and critical illnesses; and rapidly identifying and controlling fast-spreading viruses.

While the scientific community largely supports the use of CRISPR for these beneficial purposes, there is a strong consensus on the ethical considerations associated with its application. The primary ethical concern revolves around using CRISPR for eugenics or human genome enhancement, which could lead to significant moral dilemmas and social implications. Given these rapid developments and the potent capabilities of CRISPR, there is an increasing focus on establishing global governance and regulatory frameworks to set ethical standards and define acceptable uses for this powerful technology.