Audri Berdeen

Genetic engineering using the CRISPR technology has the potential to benefit multiple fields.

Developments in scientific fields including energy production, fission and aerospace are among many of the advancements occurring in our modern world. One major area involves the growth of genetic editing technology. Its growing use has raised concerns among the public about its possible misuse, but the benefit from the biotechnological achievement far outweighs possible worries.

Genetic engineering, also referred to as gene editing, uses a technology called CRISPR to manually edit individual genes. CRISPR has paved the way for multiple scientific advances and research opportunities, including unextinction, curing possible diseases and safer food production.

Species such as the back-footed ferret have been cloned with CRISPR to help with preservation. As its population has dropped, scientists have been worried about the species going extinct. In 2020, however, scientists have managed to clone the back-footed ferret in an attempt to bring their population back to normal numbers, resulting in the birth and creation of Elizabeth Ann. This proved the extent of scientific capabilities and opened new possibilities in bringing back animals from extinction.

Using advances in genetic engineering, scientists have also taken DNA from a dire wolf bone and used its closest living relative, the gray wolf, as a starting point for creating the dire wolf. Then using CRISPR, they modified key traits creating a creature similar to them.

Using genetic innovations would let us bring back creatures that have gone extinct, ultimately bringing back biodiversity and help better shape scientists’ current understanding about how genetics work. These studies would also help them understand how humans originated and be able to study our biological past better. Scientists would be able to reverse engineer the human genome, find lost ancestors and even track past migration patterns.

A benefit that gene editing would bring humanity would be innovative opportunities to stop genetic disabilities. In 2017, the Oregon Health & Science University studied a baby embryo that has a gene mutation called MYBPC3. The mutation leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a transmissible heart condition that causes a heart to not contract correctly. By using CRISPR and Cas9, an enzyme which lets them permanently change a cell’s genome, the team corrected the genetic mutation, which led to healthy embryos.

Using progressive technology, doctors can eliminate mutations that would otherwise be incurable, leading to further development in the medical field. Scientists would be able to handle even more genetic conditions and even be able to cure diseases that were incurable because of genetic defects, such as cancer. This would increase the survivability of the human race and other species, as well as lead to cheaper healthcare in the long run by replacing chronic treatments with one-time cures.

Many diseases not only affect humans but attack the very plants we eat and often destroy them, leading to food shortages in many parts of the world or even killing off many fruit trees that serve as significant food sources. Bacillus thuringiensis corn is an example of a GMO crop that creates proteins that are toxic to insect pests but not to humans or other animals. These are the same types of proteins that organic farmers use to control pest insects, as the proteins do not harm beneficial insects, such as ladybugs that kill aphids. Because of this, crops like GMO Bt corn lower the use of insecticides and pesticides.

By using genetic modification, protecting our crops becomes easier and increases crop yields, which can lead to lower food prices as crops become more accessible and are able to produce food more reliably. Developments in this can also lead to the creation of super foods, which are healthier, or make healthy food taste better.

Many people believe that genetic engineering will lead to human modification, enhancements, or even lead to wars being started. This, however, would not be the case as with many other technological advancements. Countries would, and have, created laws and regulations on how to use gene editing and have stopped big problems.

When computer technology started advancing significantly, with many people and governments such as the U.S. being concerned about security issues and data leaks, laws were implemented against threats, such as hacking. They also have created methods including 2FA, encryption methods and antivirus programs to help keep user privacy safe. These restrictions and security have happened with every technological breakthrough, such as advanced safety systems in cars and nuclear fusion, which must follow guidelines when making and using those facilities.

With proper laws and monitoring, genetic engineering can make the world a better and more secure place. Genetic editing opens new opportunities to advancing technology as long as society is not afraid of tackling new challenges.