FT News Briefing DIY gene editing
Oct 4, 2021
Izabella Kaminska, Alphaville editor at the Financial Times, dives into the captivating world of DIY gene editing and biohacking. She discusses how tools like CRISPR are empowering amateur biohackers to conduct their own genetic experiments. The conversation highlights both the innovative potential and serious risks of unregulated gene manipulation, drawing parallels to the dangers of nuclear technology. With ethical concerns and safety issues on the table, this dialogue underscores the urgent need for oversight in an era of unprecedented scientific accessibility.
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Biohacker's Experiments
- Izabella Kaminska interviewed Paul DeBrova, a self-taught biohacker.
- DeBrova experiments with gene editing for fun, making beer glow, but worries about unchecked access to tools.
Accessibility Concerns
- DeBrova's concern: falling costs and easy access to DNA synthesizers enable dangerous experimentation.
- Downloading DNA sequences is becoming as easy as downloading photos, raising security concerns.
Innovation vs. Risk
- Amateur scientists argue that less bureaucracy fosters innovation.
- However, unlike other fields, biohacking mistakes can have fatal, widespread consequences.