The Advantages And Drawbacks Of Gene Editing Tools
Just a decade back, Gene editing was not even a term. It's now a topic of controversy all over the world as more research being conducted and more tests using the technology. Around the globe scientists are constantly discussing the potential and dangers involved with genome editing. Although plant geneticists have been capable of creating plants that can withstand the ravages of famine but critics have warned about the uncertainty of this technology's effects on the health of humans. The Benefits of Gene Editing Here are some of the benefits of using genome editing technology. 1. How to combat and defeat the spread of diseases: The most deadly and severe diseases have survived. A lot of genetic mutations we are suffering from will disappear when we are actively involved in genetically engineer the next generation. Genetic editing is a way to develop new immunotherapies against cancer. The CRISPR-mediated modification of T-cells will allow you to identify and eliminate cancerous cells. Drug Research: Genes can help speed up the process of drug discovery. Some of the drug makers are already using CRISPR technology in drug research and discovery phase. Inherent disease: Through genetic editing, scientists can prevent the inherent disease from transferring onto the offspring. The cystic fibrosis and diabetes diseases can be eliminated as well. 2. Extension of the life span Human lifespans could be extended by the editing of genes. Human lifespan has increased by many years and we live longer. Genetic engineering may make our time on Earth longer. There are certain, well-known ailments and diseases that may take hold later in life and end up killing us earlier than necessary. Genetic editing is a way to change the primary causes of the body's natural decline on a cell level. This can dramatically improve the duration and quality of life later. 3. Growth In Food Production and Its Quality: Genetic engineering can design foods that are able to withstand extreme temperatures and are packed with all the necessary nutrients. It could also help meet heavy food requirements that many countries still have not been able to meet. We may also be able to boost the medicinal value of our products and develop edible vaccines. 4. Pest Resilient Crops: Jennifer Doudna (CRISPR pioneer), says that gene editing is a way to tackle the pest and nutrition problems facing agriculture. Instead of using a lot of pesticides and insecticides, we can safeguard our plans with a more sustainable approach. Gene Editing The Cons While editing the genome has numerous benefits, it could also contain many areas that need to be questioned. For instance, 1. 1. Let's start with the major objection: modification isn't natural and is akin to playing God. This argument states, "natural is inherently good and that diseases are not natural". They argue that humans, by the millions falling ill and dying prematurely is all natural. Even though living longer creates social problems, what is the situation with the overpopulation of earth after scientists have eliminated all diseases? 2. Safety issues Let's ignore the ethical issues or society for a moment. Are there any safety concerns for making changes at the cellular level of life? Even small changes in the cellular realm can have unexpected consequences. What happens if we are able to wipe out particular disease only to introduce a brand new and more dangerous one? Experimenting in little life still in the womb could result in complications, such as premature birth, miscarriage or even stillbirth - all of which are unthinkable. 3. What about diversity? Diversity across every animal species is a key to evolution on Earth. Genetically engineering our species will have a detrimental effect on our genetic diversity, just similar to what cloning would. Do we not think the next generation deserves to see the diversity on Earth like we did? 4. A tool for the rich, or for everyone? An established fact, gene therapy is costly. Let's say we can take away a child's defective gene code in the near future. What happens if the elite and extremely wealthy could afford it, and the less fortunate child died? Will gene editing result in "justice" to society if this happens? Will the government pay for all embryos from the poor families to be used for genetic makeup purposes? In conclusion The pros and cons of genetic engineering provide an insight into the results. A variety of states and laws have been proposed to guarantee the most effective outcome. It's a fantastic present to the world if it is governed and monitored.