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Designer Babies: A Case Study

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Title: Could the CRISPR Gene Editing Tool result in Designer Babies?

1. Introduction
Gene editing is a method which allows making very precise changes to the DNA in a cell. The introduction will contain an insight in the revolutionary new-found technology CRISPR with its potential to change humanity forever in a way that it captures the interest of the reader.

2. Gene editing modifies characteristics of humans
In this paragraph, I will write about the two types of gene editing, how they work and how they differ from one other.
1. Germline genetic modification is a form of manipulation used to change genes in eggs, sperm or early-staged embryos. These modifications would appear in every cell of the resulting baby but also in future generations. …show more content…

In this paragraph, I will touch on where the limitations of CRISPR should be drawn from both a scientific and also ethical view. Maybe this isn’t even achievable to control? Also, I have only mentioned how CRISPR can be used, but have yet to mention possible consequences and dangers. Modified humans could alter the genome of our entire species, because their engineered traits will be passed on to their children and could spread over generations slowly modifying the whole gene pool of humanity. This of course will start slowly and the first designer babies will not be overly “designed”, they will most likely be created to eliminate a deadly genetic disease running in their family. Where will the modification stop? If one makes their offspring immune to Alzheimer, why not also add perfect eyesight or the gift of extraordinary intelligence? Could it possibly even stop …show more content…

CRISPR is at the beginning stage and has yet to be fully explored and understood in its entirety. The simplicity and efficiency of the editing tool gives rise to an array of possible appliances. There is no denying that gene editing technologies are becoming an important part of human society and will have a significant impact on the human genome. For now, the main focus of CRISPR is to improve the human health by finding solutions to fighting genetically inherited diseases and cures against cancer and HIV. It is safe to assume that CRISPR will be used to gather further knowledge about the genome and study targeted areas of DNA. Another central aspect that needs additional research is the connection between genetic variations (genotype) and their effect on the human phenotype. Understanding this is crucial in order to alter features of the human body. Ultimately, CRISPR is still a long way from being utilised as tool to redesign the human phenotype, let alone meddle in even more complicated matters such as intelligence. In addition, the overall ethical and legal point of view is an aspect that cannot be

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