Gene editing systems that could fight malaria and other diseases are too powerful to leave in the hands of scientists and startupsMedical and biological research is being transformed by a powerful modern form of genetic editing,known by the acronym Crispr. Based on a naturally-occurring system in bacteria, Crispr enables scientists to precisely alter the genetic code of any organism they can lay their hands on – humans included. Researchers have plenty of applications in intellect for Crispr. One of the more compelling uses would set aside modified genes into wild populations of organisms. Done properly, and this could dramatically curb the spread of infectious diseases. But there are risks that cannot be brushed aside. Without international regulation,this amazing modern technology could cause serious damage to the ecosystem.
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Source: theguardian.com