Join the Debate

Genome editing

Scientists have recently developed a technology called CRISPR-Cas9, which enables scientists to cut and paste DNA within the genome. The tool permits genetic engineering on an unprecedented scale and at a very low cost. The technique is already being used in a variety of fields, but because of its potential to modify DNA in human embryos, it has prompted calls for a public debate about where the technology should be applied.

Researchers working with WhatIsBiotechnology are running a pilot survey to gather people's views on this new technology. Dr Lara Marks, Managing Editor of the site and historian of medicine and Dr Silvia Camporesi, bioethicist at King's College London, are leading the project. Responses to the survey are anonymised, and results will be published both on the website and through other media. To take part in the debate please indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements ranging from '1' indicating 'Very strongly disagree' to '7' indicating 'Very strongly agree' followed by keywords that you associate with genome editing and any other comments that you might have about the issues surrounding the science. If you have any questions about this survey please contact Jonathan Lind on jonathan.lind@kcl.ac.uk.

There is a reasonable chance that genome editing will be very useful in addressing significant health needs of patients over the next few years

The use of genome editing technology poses significant ethical issues in terms of altering the human genome

The use of genome editing technology poses significant ethical issues in terms of safety to the environment

My government should strongly support the development of genome editing technology

My government should impose greater regulation on the use of genome editing

Industry should strongly support the development of genome editing technology

I feel fully informed about the issues surrounding this technology

What keywords come to mind when you think about genome editing? (Particular conditions or issues, perhaps?) Separate each keyword with a ','.

What will be the most beneficial applications of genome editing to society generally?

Which applications of genome editing will raise the most serious ethical issues?

What factors and sources of information have most influenced your views about genome editing?

Do you have any other contributions to make to the debate about genome editing?

What is the scope of your answers in this discussion (Select as many as are relevant)?

Finally, a few details about you would be helpful, but please do not feel obliged to provide this information.

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