This type of technology exhibits a rather revolutionary way of manipulating gen
This type of technology exhibits a rather revolutionary way of manipulating genes that can have a wide variety of clinical and therapeutic applications. CRISPR technology stands for a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and it was originally discovered through studying adaptive immune responses in bacterial models. CRISPR is a type of genome editing naturally occurring in these types of bacteria. Today, scientists are utilizing this template to modify and edit strands of DNA in living organisms. This means that CRISPR technology is a type of gene editing, a revolutionary way of manipulating genes that can have a wide variety of clinical and therapeutic applications. Some examples of applications include treatments for blindness and certain cancers, and could even be used to create rapid disease testing like for Covid-19 (Science & Tech Spotlight: CRISPR Gene Editing, 2020).
Connection To STS
Gene editing technology has a very notable connection to STS alongside its potential of treating a wide variety of diseases and drastically improving patient outcomes. Gene editing enables precise modifications of genetic material, but also raises significant societal and ethical considerations. CRISPR-cas9 houses potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, offering solutions to genetic disorders and enhancing crop resilience. However, these benefits come with challenges, like unintended genetic mutations and ethical dilemmas surrounding germline editing (Janik et. al 2020). Recent use of CRISPR in human embryos has sparked both optimism for medical advancements and ethical debates about germline modifications and their long-term societal impacts. Especially when using gene editing technology on humans, there is a need for robust regulation and ethical guidelines to navigate the consequences that may come with altering the human genome. gene editing technologies like CRISPR are not just scientific tools but also social constructs that reflect and shape societal values and norms. The development and application of these technologies are influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors, which in turn affect public perception and policy-making. Socially, the technology could exacerbate existing inequalities if access to gene editing is limited to those with significant resources. This could lead to a scenario where only the wealthy can afford genetic enhancements, potentially creating a new class of genetically privileged individuals (Sargent et al., 2017). CRISPR-cas9 and other gene editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize disease therapy and drastically improve patient outcomes, but many ethical considerations must be taken in order to ensure safety and efficacy.
Figure 1: Gene Editing depicted as Enhancing Features such as Intelligence or Eye Color
Understanding CRISPR Technology
In 1987, CRISPR Technology was discovered in the immune system of archaeal genomes as a form of natural adaptat