Doudna, Jennifer. "Transcript of "We Can Now Edit Our DNA. But Let's Do It Wisely"" Jennifer Doudna: We Can Now Edit Our DNA. But Let's Do It Wisely. TED Global/London, Sept. 2015. Web. 12 Nov. 2015.
In this TED Talk, Doudna discusses the recent controversy over a new DNA editing technology she invented called CRISPR-Cas9 as well as other aspects of genetic engineering. As the discovering scientist herself, she shares how the technology came about through a basic research project, how it works on a molecular level and what she believes it should be targeted for use by which is biased as a pro-science level. Others are concerned over the ethics of genetic engineering and Doudna speaks about how a global conversation needs to be held to consider these impacts along with other social implications dealing with CRISPR. "We can now edit DNA. But let's do it wisely." states similar points to "DNA editing takes a serious step forward-for better or for worse." when it comes to gene-editing experimentation with human embryos. They both mention how it is universally a line that shouldn't be crossed, even though in the TED Talk, the speaker clearly states her opinion by calling for a nationwide moratorium about her technology and how we can use it positively in the future. In "DNA editing takes a serious step forward-for better or for worse." however, more discussion from multiple people about how altering DNA might open the door to more frightening pursuits is shared. Brown, Eryn. "DNA Editing Takes a Serious Step Forward--for Better or Worse." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. Brown’s article focuses on new DNA techniques that one makes once-theoretical genetic manipulation seem possible, and soon. The author shares viewpoints about CRSIPR technology, and explains some people’s concerns hence the title: DNA editing takes a serious step forward—for better or worse. The article shares major discussions on experimentation on human embryos, similarly to Jennifer Doudnas Ted Talk, fulfill the majority of the worlds concerns. Brown also mentions a quick description of Doudnas CRISPR-Cas9 technology as well. Because the author is just a contact reporter for the LA Times, I was a little weary at first about the quality of in-depth science information, but Brown works in a lot of interviews from world-renown scientists for more reliable feedback. This source presented a wide variety of viewpoints about DNA technology, as well as peoples reasoning on their opinions which helps in understanding how controversial the topic really is. "CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing." Genome Editing Knockout Kit. Origene Technologies, 2015. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. On this information and sales website multiple diagrams are posted that help give a clear visual of how CRISPR Cas9 technology works. It also provides links to a couple informational video clips also demonstrating this. This website is reliable because it lists their works cited from multiple reputable references. I was also intrigued by the “frequently asked questions” link on the site because that gave more clear and simple answers to confusions the common everyday person might have about CRISPR. "Quick Learning of CRISPR/Cas9." YouTube. YouTube/Origene Technology, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. This video source is essential to understanding of how the CRISPR technology works and why you might need it in your lab for genetic engineering. The voice over shares similar information about the system like Eryn Brown discusses in “DNA editing takes a serious step forward—for better or worse” yet provides key visuals to help comprehend the heavy scientific explanation. "Genome Editing with CRISPR-Cas9." YouTube. YouTube/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. In this animation, sponsored by the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, CRISPR-Cas9 is shown through a series of unique images. In the description, Feng Zhang, a leader in the development of this technology, writes about the many applications in biomedical research CRISPR has, including the potential to treat human genetic disease. This animation was wonderful for visualizing what is going on with the DNA at a very close, molecular level. "Gene Editing Mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9." Vimeo. Wyss Institute at Harvard University., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. The focus of this vimeo, was to share how genetic engineers may potentially use CRISPR to precisely disrupt and modify specific genes. This video was different because it provided information not only about how CRISPR works on the DNA, but how DNA usually alters itself without it. By explaining natural alterations to a genome like frameshift mutations for example, understanding how CRISPR works is stress-free. Credit to Wyss Institute of Harvard University is mentioned in the video dispcription. "What Is a Designer Baby?" What Is a Designer Baby? Bionet, 2002. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. On this informational Bionet site, the coined term “designer baby” is explained as well as other forms of gene therapy. Although I believe it is helpful to know what this term means since it is a common one, the description is brief and it is noted that scientists do not use this term. The page has multiple tabs—one of which shares what is legal in regards to sex-selection and genetic editing in other countries, while another explains the rights and wrongs of customized children. Similarly to the animation sponsored my MIT, they mention the potential to treat specific genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Erickson, Jessica. "Genetic Engineering Debate: Are There Lines We Shouldn't Cross?" Policy.Mic. N.p., 7 Jan. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. This article’s goal is to inform the reader on organizations trying to proactively identify and discuss solutions to ethical, legal and social issues in emerging genetic research. The author spends a large sum of her writing on explaining her belief that we shouldn’t just draw a “do not cross” line over new technology, yet keep regulations on each advancement. A lot of her argument is one sided, yet in agreement with the concerns of the inventors of CRISPR and other genetic technologies. This site was helpful in realizing that hiding from science won’t make it just go away. Riley, Naomi Schaefer. "'Designer Babies' Are an Unregulated Reality." New York Post, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. Riley’s article pinpoints exactly who is expecting no regulations on designer babies—the upper class and celebrities. Obviously this is an extremely one-sided view, but throughout the site the author explains other recent political dilemmas including sex-selection abortion laws. By understanding the governments difficulty to make decisions on topics like this, I got the impression that Riley believes it will be hard for the government to place restrictions on genetic editing in the future as well. This article was helpful to see a strong opinion about how the nation will soon be going down slippery slopes when holding the global meeting Jennifer (CRISPR inventor) explained to listeners during her TED Talk. |
"Genome Editing with CRISPR-Cas9." YouTube. YouTube/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
In this animation, sponsored by the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, CRISPR-Cas9 is shown through a series of unique images. In the description, Feng Zhang, a leader in the development of this technology, writes about the many applications in biomedical research CRISPR has, including the potential to treat human genetic disease. This animation was wonderful for visualizing what is going on with the DNA at a very close, molecular level. "Gene Editing Mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9." Vimeo. Wyss Institute at Harvard University., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. The focus of this vimeo, was to share how genetic engineers may potentially use CRISPR to precisely disrupt and modify specific genes. This video was different because it provided information not only about how CRISPR works on the DNA, but how DNA usually alters itself without it. By explaining natural alterations to a genome like frameshift mutations for example, understanding how CRISPR works is stress-free. Credit to Wyss Institute of Harvard University is mentioned in the video dispcription. "What Is a Designer Baby?" What Is a Designer Baby? Bionet, 2002. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. On this informational Bionet site, the coined term “designer baby” is explained as well as other forms of gene therapy. Although I believe it is helpful to know what this term means since it is a common one, the description is brief and it is noted that scientists do not use this term. The page has multiple tabs—one of which shares what is legal in regards to sex-selection and genetic editing in other countries, while another explains the rights and wrongs of customized children. Similarly to the animation sponsored my MIT, they mention the potential to treat specific genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Erickson, Jessica. "Genetic Engineering Debate: Are There Lines We Shouldn't Cross?" Policy.Mic. N.p., 7 Jan. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. This article’s goal is to inform the reader on organizations trying to proactively identify and discuss solutions to ethical, legal and social issues in emerging genetic research. The author spends a large sum of her writing on explaining her belief that we shouldn’t just draw a “do not cross” line over new technology, yet keep regulations on each advancement. A lot of her argument is one sided, yet in agreement with the concerns of the inventors of CRISPR and other genetic technologies. This site was helpful in realizing that hiding from science won’t make it just go away. Riley, Naomi Schaefer. "'Designer Babies' Are an Unregulated Reality." New York Post, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. Riley’s article pinpoints exactly who is expecting no regulations on designer babies—the upper class and celebrities. Obviously this is an extremely one-sided view, but throughout the site the author explains other recent political dilemmas including sex-selection abortion laws. By understanding the governments difficulty to make decisions on topics like this, I got the impression that Riley believes it will be hard for the government to place restrictions on genetic editing in the future as well. This article was helpful to see a strong opinion about how the nation will soon be going down slippery slopes when holding the global meeting Jennifer (CRISPR inventor) explained to listeners during her TED Talk. Pictures Google Image Result for Https://loonylabs.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/genetic-engineering.jpg?w=590. N.d. Google Image Result for Https://loonylabs.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/genetic-engineering.jpg?w=590. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. This photograph corresponds with an article discussing DNA experimentation with vaccines as well as new ways to manipulate a cells original bodily function. The featured student in the picture, is holding up a larger scale model of the double helix structure, as well as a new inserted piece of RNA.I found this photograph helpful because it shows the structure of DNA up closer and each piece is different colors so when placed next to a challenging paragraph about DNA technology, readers could understand the structure a lot easier. "The+war+on+science - Google Search." The+war+on+science - Google Search. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/search?q=the%2Bwar%2Bon%2Bscience&biw=1280&bih=540&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjFl4LvxdnJAhWB4SYKHdMmAAUQ_AUICCgD#imgrc=3A4n1f87NmIzgM%3A>. "Crispr+cas9 - Google Search." Crispr+cas9 - Google Search. Patent Picks, n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/search?q=crispr%2Bcas9&biw=1280&bih=540&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjXgr-Jy9nJAhUM8CYKHTM7D70Q_AUICCgD#imgrc=W19VBHK1UjEv3M%3A>. Cyranoski, David. "Genome+editing - Google Search." Genome+editing - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/search?q=genome%2Bediting&biw=1280&bih=540&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiO9sOAzNnJAhVCo4MKHc6zAJ0Q_AUIBygC#imgrc=JmHEbcjn1Jn_cM%3A>. "Chinese+baby - Google Search." Chinese+baby - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/search?q=chinese%2Bbaby&biw=1280&bih=540&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjlwN2aztnJAhXB0h4KHdSBB8cQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=HdpVMPuyZ33VJM%3A>. "Human+embryo - Google Search." Human+embryo - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2015. <https://www.google.com/search?q=human2Bembryo&biw=1280&bih=540&source=lnms&tbm= isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjcnoWUz9nJAhWHqh4KHZr8AbkQ_ AUIBigB#imgrc= |