The Precipice of Genetic Engineering

At the cutting edge of scientific innovation, genetic engineering of the human genome sits between the precipices of hope and horror. For the scientific community, conceptualizing the modification of the human genome is a conversation that occurs between the tectonic pressures of scientific advancement and ethics. Never, on this large of a scale, has the power to cure been imbued with the power to harm.

Between these tectonic pressures, are we able to strike an arch where we can avoid ‘designer babies' or eugenic experiments while striving for a more ambitious, global goal? What if we used this powerful tool to ethically and logically enhance the adaptability of our species? 

The 21st century has been tempered by the global proliferation of climate change and emerging pathogens. As global populations rise and humans live longer, the human body is stretched beyond its limits spatially, and with conditions like muscular atrophy and osteoporosis. Genetic modifications remain a solution for humankind to meet these challenges. 

Logic in favour of the use of genetic modifications argues for the ability to eliminate horrific genetic diseases, increase human life expectancy, and enhance human capabilities. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool has shown promising results in correcting specific genetic mutations responsible for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and cystic fibrosis. Eradicating these debilitating conditions would undoubtedly improve the quality of life of many, providing a more specific and cost-effective approach to healthcare. Genetic modification has great potential to both cure or mitigate diseases and increase human adaptability. 

Genetic modification must be tethered by strong ethical considerations and should be ignored by nations or through legally binding treaties. The ability to alter the human genome is a primal power of creation and destruction, and all of humanity must be represented in the discussion. Looking forward, the benefits should not be divided based on economics in a manner that exacerbates existing social inequalities and further marginalizes disadvantaged populations. If genetic modification is to serve as a global adaptive tool, it should be universally accessible and benefit humanity as a whole, rather than serving as an exclusive enhancement for the privileged few. 

Should there be a way forward with human gene modification, it will be critical to heavily regulate it. To halt misuse and ensure equitable access, there must be clear guidelines that outline the use of these genetic modifications. These policies should be structured by a global, neutral body whose aim is to strengthen ethical research and application within medical and scientific areas and discourage superficial enhancements. Achieving a balance between progress, ethics, and regulation will be the fulcrum on which the success of genetic modification pivots. 

Sources 

(2017). Human Genome Editing. https://doi.org/10.17226/24623 

Current world population. Worldometer. (n.d.-a). https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ Current world population. Worldometer. (n.d.-b). https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ 

Genah, S., Monici, M., & Morbidelli, L. (2021). The effect of space travel on Bone Metabolism: Considerations on today’s major challenges and advances in pharmacology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), 4585. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094585 

Gilder, C. (2023, May 23). Bone and muscle loss in microgravity. NASA. 

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/station-science-101/bone-muscle-loss-in-mic rogravity/ 

Kevin R. Smith a, a, b, & The latest mammalian genetic modification technology offers efficient and reliable targeting of genomic sequences. (2012, October 13). Human Germline genetic modification: Scientific and bioethical perspectives. Archives of Medical Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0188440912002445?fr=RR-2&ref=pdf_downlo ad&rr=7e4c17ee6dc842b5#sec1 

NBCUniversal News Group. (2020, December 3). China has done human testing to create biologically enhanced super soldiers, says top U.S. of icial. NBCNews.com. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/china-has-done-human-testing-create-biologic ally-enhanced-super-soldiers-n1249914 

Weissmann, J. (2012, January 17). 5% of Americans made up 50% of U.S. Health Care Spending. The Atlantic. 

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/01/5-of-americans-made-up-50-of-us-health-ca re-spending/251402/ 

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Human genome editing. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/human-genome-editing#tab=tab_1