The Thomistic Institute The Science and Ethics of CRISPR and CRISPR-Inspired Gene Editing | Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P.
Jul 26, 2024
Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., discusses the science and ethics of CRISPR gene editing, yeast-based vaccines for COVID-19, and challenges of setting up a lab in the Philippines. Topics include mitochondrial genome inheritance, CRISPR technology, therapeutic enhancements, cultural differences in decision-making, and the significance of human dignity in ethical discussions.
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Science Challenges in Philippines
- Nicanor Austriaco moved his lab to the Philippines to develop an oral yeast vaccine for COVID-19.
- Doing science there involved challenges like procurement delays and water shortages, requiring creative solutions.
Genome as Encyclopedia
- The human genome is like a 46-volume encyclopedia compacted into a tiny cell.
- CRISPR allows precise editing of any gene within this vast genetic text.
How CRISPR Cuts DNA
- CRISPR works by the Cas9 protein guided by RNA to cut DNA at specific sites.
- The cut triggers DNA repair, disrupting or editing genes depending on the method used.