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Should scientists be able to modify human genes?

With CRISPR (Clustered Regularly-Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) scientists can edit the DNA in human embryos for the first time, a process that was previously thought impossible and possibly unethical. Should we allow it?

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Science Summit Denounces Gene-Edited Babies Claim, But Rejects Moratorium

Scientists Say Gene-Edited Babies Claim Is 'Wake-Up Call' For World

Additional resources to think about

Pro and Con: Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos? 
From National Geographic, two scientists list out the possible benefits and drawbacks of gene editing on humans.

How gene editing puts us in the driver's seat of evolution
Imagine you could edit a mouse’s genes to be resistant to Lyme Disease. The mouse would breed and evolution would take its course, leading to the extinction of the disease. That’s the vision for scientists developing CRISPR, technology that allows scientists to rewrite the code of life.

I Have A Rare Genetic Disease. CRISPR Might Fix It.
A Chicago journalist talks about a degenerative eye disease that she shares with her father. CRISPR technology could possibly fix it.

What Is CRISPR Gene Editing?
This clip from NOVA explains what CRISPR is and how it can change our lives.

Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever - CRISPR
Kurzgesagt brings us the history of genetic engineering and how CRISPR has and will change the future.

Watch KQED Hack DNA with a DIY Kit
The KQED team wanted to see how a new DIY kit can let consumers experiment with gene editing from home.

How CRISPR lets you edit DNA | TEDEd
This lesson from Andrea M. Henle examines the science behind the new technology that could let scientists change an organism's fundamental features.

First CRISPR treatment for sickle cell, other blood disease shows early benefits in two patients
This article from the PBS NewsHour details a breakthrough in treating inherited blood disorders that uses the CRISPR technology.

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Should scientists be able to modify human genes?

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