Below is a conversation with bioethics commentator Kelly Hills (who BTW has a great blog), tackling some of the key issues surrounding the potential use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to make heritable human genetic modification. I really appreciate her clear and insightful answers to some tough questions that many are grappling with today on this topic. Part …
Kelly Hills interview: human genetic modification & bioethics Read More »
One of the biggest claims related to stem cells and in particular to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC or IPS cells) of 2015 came just yesterday about growing a human fetal brain. A press release from Ohio State University reports that two of its researchers had grown a nearly full-formed human fetal brain. My initial reaction …
Healthy skepticism needed on claim of stem cell-derived human fetal brain Read More »
In a poll on CRISPR, respondents so far have predominantly viewed potential off-target effects as a moderate (28%) to substantial (25%) problem. The poll is still running if you are interested in participating. As to the more polar answers, only 20% and 4% answered “minor” or “a non-issue”, respectively, while 14% thought that off-target effects …
CRISPR off-target effects important, but not severe challenge, says poll Read More »
Professor Steven Pinker of Harvard has been making the case recently that when it comes to novel biotechnologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 that bioethics should just get out of the way. Further, he has argued that we do not need a moratorium on clinical use of CRISPR-Cas9 for human genetic modification. In fact, he says that …
Gene drive is a powerful, emerging genetic technology that can force genetic modification into an entire population. For more background on gene drive you can read my previous post. It’s a very exciting, but potentially dangerous technology with sizable possible risks. Recently I had an intriguing conversation with leading geneticist Harmit Malik on gene drive. What …
Conversation with Harmit Malik on Gene Drive & Genetics Read More »
One of our family traditions is kind of science oriented as I take my kids out to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in August almost every year. While the number of meteors visible varies from year to year, the Perseids are consistent enough to make it a great experience. Meteor showers happen when the Earth’s …
TGIF recommended weekend reads including thought-provoking reading over a beer, glass of wine, or beaker…and what would RNA taste like? Two from Alexey Bersenev The future of human limb bioengineering Translating Cell Therapies: Academic versus Industry model CIRM blog: two cool recent posts Specialized Embryonic Stem Cells Yield Insights into X Chromosome Inactivation Da Mayor and …
TGIF: recommended weekend science reads & a jar full of RNA Read More »
Earlier this week I posted an interview with Steven Pinker on CRISPR, human germline modification, and bioethics. With only a few exceptions, I strongly disagree with Pinker’s philosophy in these areas and I knew going into the interview that his answers would likely go against my own views. I also expected the interview would anger …
Why interview Steven Pinker on my blog if I strongly disagree with him? Read More »
Scientists studying genetics are both excited and worried about a powerful, new technology called “gene drive“. Some have been raising serious concerns about gene drive and in certain cases calling for proactive regulation, which is unusual in science. This method is so powerful because it is designed to induce genetic changes in an entire population …
Exciting CRISPR-powered “gene drive” also has scientists deeply concerned Read More »
In the Steve Pinker interview that I posted this morning he was highly critical of noted bioethicist Dr. Arthur Caplan. I contacted Dr. Caplan out of fairness and balance to invite him to do a post/ask for any comment, etc. for this blog. Here is what he wrote: “Steven Pinker says; “But Arthur Caplan, the country’s …
Bioethicist Arthur Caplan comments on Pinker piece claims Read More »