Ideas worth spreading

The ethical dilemma of designer babies

1,779,286 views | Paul Knoepfler • TEDxVienna

Creating genetically modified people is no longer a science fiction fantasy; it's a likely future scenario. Biologist Paul Knoepfler estimates that within fifteen years, scientists could use the gene editing technology CRISPR to make certain "upgrades" to human embryos -- from altering physical appearances to eliminating the risk of auto-immune diseases. In this thought-provoking talk, Knoepfler readies us for the coming designer baby revolution and its very personal, and unforeseeable, consequences.

Creating genetically modified people is no longer a science fiction fantasy; it's a likely future scenario. Biologist Paul Knoepfler estimates that within fifteen years, scientists could use the gene editing technology CRISPR to make certain "upgrades" to human embryos -- from altering physical appearances to eliminating the risk of auto-immune diseases. In this thought-provoking talk, Knoepfler readies us for the coming designer baby revolution and its very personal, and unforeseeable, consequences.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxVienna, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Paul Knoepfler

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Paul Knoepfler is a biomedical scientist and writer focusing on stem cells and genetics.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxVienna, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.