#105 Françoise Baylis: The Ethics of CRISPR-cas9 Gene Editing Technology

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Dr. Françoise Baylis is University Research Professor at Dalhousie University, Canada. She is a frequent guest on CBC and Radio Canada. The focus of her research is on issues of women's health and assisted reproductive technologies, but her research and publication record also extend to such topics as research involving humans (including human embryo research), gene editing, novel genetic technologies, public health, the role of bioethics consultants, and neuroethics. She has a forthcoming book on ethics and heritable genome editing with Harvard University Press.

In this episode, we talk about the ethics behind CRISPR-cas9 genome editing technology. The difference between using it in somatic cells versus germline cells; he fuzzy line that separates enhancement from therapy; the example of improving IQ; how this technology can increase the gap between rich and poor, taking it to the whole new level of biological differences; individual and social considerations; and animal ethics. We finish off by talking a little bit about Dr. Baylis’ upcoming book.

Time Links:

01:02 What is CRISPR-cas9?

03:22 It can be used in any type of living cell          

04:25 Applying it in somatic vs germline cells     

06:24 Its possible applications in humans    

08:57 Is CRISPR evolving quickly?      

13:07 Enhancement and therapy 

16:43 The complicated example of improving IQ

22:52 Can we cause problems by reducing genetic diversity?

26:07 Eugenics

29:51 Looking at genetic engineering from a societal perspective

33:09 The many ethical aspects to be evaluated

37:28 Animal ethics

40:25 Dr. Baylis’ forthcoming book 

44:14 Follow her work online

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Books: https://tinyurl.com/y8x39y24

Twitter handle: @FrancoiseBaylis

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