CRISPR and Biowarfare
What is the term for DIY/citizen biology?
biohacking
Is germline cell editing allowed in the U.S.?
No
What is it called when CRISPR cuts DNA outside of the target gene?
Off-target editing
Is CRISPR affordable and easy to use for farmers
Yes
A scientist from which country produced the first “designer babies”
China
What disease did soldiers at the Seige of Caffa use as a bioweapon?
the plague
What is the difference between germline and somatic cell editing?
Somatic cell editing only edits certain issues that are not passed from one generation to the next versus germline cell editing implements changes to genes in the eggs or sperm and these genes could be passed onto future generations
How many genes were removed using CRISPR in the University of Pennsylvania immunotherapy trial?
three genes
What do scientists hope CRISPR can do for plants and livestock?
improve livestock breeds and crop varieties
What is the name for the type of genetic editing that passes on to future generations?
germline editing
Name one example of biowarfare that took place in the past 50 years.
The Rajneeshees and Iraw
What are three main ethical considerations of CRISPR?
Power and technical limits, justice and equity, and enhancement or medical application
How is CRISPR used to treat cancer?
It removes certain genes while also adding DNA
What experiment did we describe on how CRISPR is being tested on livestock?
an experiment on pigs
What is the name of the governing body responsible for the guidelines that will not consider proposals involving gremlin alteration or fund any use of gene editing in human embryos?
National Institute of Health
Name one way that CRISPR could change the game of biowarfare
new pathogens, crop destruction
What is the main argument when considering the justice and equity of CRISPR technology?
It could deepen the difference in classes defined by the quality of engineered geneome
How many patients participated in the first cancer & CRISPR clinical trial?
three patients
What is the goal of the experiment on livestock using CRISPR?
To use pig organ transplants for humans
What is the name for a non-medical related trait in the context of CRISPR?
Vanity/Cosmetic traits