Modern Wisdom

#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?

Oct 1, 2022

Matthew Cobb, a zoologist and author from the University of Manchester, dives deep into the world of genetic engineering. He discusses the capabilities and ethical dilemmas of CRISPR technology, questioning its potential to enhance human traits like IQ and athleticism. Cobb highlights past close calls with bioweapon leaks and emphasizes the critical need for regulation in genetic editing. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of IVF and the implications of human gene editing, particularly reflecting on controversial instances like the gene-edited children in China.

01:21:01

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Matthew Cobb

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Episode notes

Intro

5min

The Dual Edge of Genetic Editing

31min

The Necessity of Regulation in Genetic Engineering and Biological Safety

4min

Gene Editing Controversies

15min

The Emotional and Ethical Challenges of IVF and Genetic Engineering

3min

Ethics and Implications of Genetic Editing

26min

The Ethical Landscape of Genetic Editing

3min

Matthew Cobb is a zoologist, professor of zoology at the University of Manchester and an author.

Genetic engineering has given humans the ability to modify crops to be resistant to disease and synthesise insulin without needing to kill and extract it from animals. But what are its dangers? Especially in a world where CRISPR and human gene editing is just around the corner.

Expect to learn whether we can select and edit embryos to increase IQ or athletic abilities, the biggest close calls we've faced with bioweapon leaks from labs, why there has been 4 complete stops on genetic engineering worldwide when the research community has got scared at what they've discovered, the dark truth behind those two Chinese gene edited girls and much more...

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