Editing Our Evolution: Rewriting the Human Genome - A policy forum discussion
As gene editing techniques become more refined, the possibility of editing the human genome is moving from science fiction to reality. What should we do with this power? Many in the scientific community are calling for strict regulations on the use of this technology, while others are excited about the possibilities. Should we create babies who will never know disease? Should we stick to smaller changes, like lowering the rates of breast cancer by eliminating mutations? Or should we call for society to ban human gene editing? Who should decide? How can we maximize benefits from these scientific advances while minimizing the harm that might come from them? This program was part of an NSF-funded project called Building with Biology and was replicated at nearly 30 other sites around the country the summer of 2018, including Museum of Science, Boston; Sciencenter, Ithaca; Science Museum of Minnesota; and the Museum of the North in Alaska. Learn more about the national forum here. The aim of our program was to spur conversation in the general public about the topic of human gene editing, including the societal and ethical implications.
