Genetic Engineering: a Blessing or Curse
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TEDxYouth@GMIS
• August 2019
Genetic engineering is the direct modification of the genes of an organism. With progress in our technology, mankind can now manipulate virtually almost any aspect of an individual, including intelligence and appearance. One particular way this is achieved is by CRISPR technology that is executed in three steps: identify, cut and replace.
A practical application of this technology includes cutting off a mutated TP 53 gene to defeat cancer, which is becoming alarmingly common in our society. While chances at survival has improved remarkably, it still requires considerable time, effort, money and undivided attention to cure. However, using CRISPR technology, we can cleanly cut off this genetic defect, possibly within minutes in the future. The cut can then be restored with a healthy TP53 gene, fixing the mutation and ultimately curing cancer.