Imagine a world rid of genetic disorders: down syndrome and sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease and cystic fibrosis and hemophilia. No more lost children, mothers, uncles, grandmothers to fatal diseases. This seems like something of the future, but is this already possible with today's technology?
Scientists have already invented a new piece of technology--CRISPR-- a piece of RNA, which targets a section of DNA, and an enzyme, which cuts out unwanted genes and replaces them with new ones. CRISPR covers a wide range of applications, including developing treatments and therapies for Alzheimer's, leading to new approaches to fighting cancer, and accelerating the process of gene therapy. In the near future, we could even be seeing designer babies. However, CRISPR has caused raging controversial debates among scientists. Many researchers in the United States believe it is unethical to use this gene-altering technology on embryos, but their British and Chinese counterparts have already started using this technology on germ cells. Now CRISPR may sound like it will solve everything, but there are some repercussions when it is used. When it snips out the unwanted genes, it also takes bits of the healthy DNA away and the effect would be felt in every cell. A doctor would have to weigh the benefits against the damages before using CRISPR.
Sometimes researchers don't know enough about an illness to treat or cure it. If this was 60 years ago, there would be no hope, but now with cryonics, people can be frozen to be brought back to life when future technologies can restore them to their full health. People who agree to the procedure have their blood replaced with an "antifreeze" solution to preserve their bodies. However, storing a body can be extremely expensive, so people will opt to just preserve their brains. Many scientists disagree on whether it is possible for our minds to function after death. Preserving a brain is a complex procedure. Scientists have to trace the connections between the synapses--which make up the memories--and then connect it to a virtual body. But most importantly, they have to ask if this new version represents one's consciousness or merely is a replication.
The advent of these new medical technologies brings a brighter future and also many more ethical questions. The big one that most people are thinking is are we playing the role of God now that we can alter our genes and avoid death? And even if we are, are our actions necessary because of its positive impact? Where do we draw the line between interfering with nature and letting it take its course?
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