CRISPR gene editing lets scientists co-opt the immune system of bacteria and use it as a tool - a pair of microscopic "scissors" - to edit the DNA of living organisms, up to and including us. It promises new, more productive crops and unprecedented ways to treat diseases. But are we ready for its broader implications? Ahead of a discussion at Auckland Museum on 10 October, University of Auckland philosophy professor Tim Dare talks about the ethical considerations in seamlessly editing life itself. He also talks about his work with the Ministry of Social Development to develop privacy, human rights and ethical review processes for proposed uses of client data.
7 Oct 2018
