Caroline McGrath
10/27/19
Current Event 6
The article New Gene Editing Technology Could Correct 89% of Genetic Defects by Jessie Yeung covers a very intriguing topic that relates back to the building blocks of our species. As most people know, DNA has mutations that lead to devastating and debilitating diseases. In the article Yeung describes a process known as “prime editing”, where it takes CRISPR (a genetic engineering tool that uses a CRISPR sequence of DNA and its associated proteins to edit the base pairs of a gene) to a new level, allowing for the genetic information to be written directly into the desired gene spot. As Yeung mentions, “About two-thirds of known human genetic variants associated with diseases are single point gene mutations, so gene editing has the potential to correct or reproduce such mutations”. The prime editing combines a new gene with CRISPR to cut the DNA strand and smoothly insert the new genetic information. This process has the opportunity to reverse around 89% of known-causing genetic diseases, including sickle cell anemia. More and more researchers continue to discover and test this new technology, with hopes that it will "provide a potential path for human therapeutic applications”. Yeung closes her article by describing the possible threats of this new technology, including the manipulation of embryos to fit a wanted criteria or a possible new mutation.
This article is huge for everyone. Everyone knows someone who is struggling from a genetic mutation, whether it be sickle cell anemia or cancer, which is threatening their life, and with this new technology that threat might be able to dissipate. The article discusses about potential usage on embryos, if that is in fact proven to work, it will change the way our species works. One can completely design their baby, although there are certain ethical questions there, it will have a great impact on the future of our society. Overall, the usage of this technology is endless, whether it be solving some of the deadliest diseases, or potential usage for everyday people.
The article overall is very well written. It talks about the gene editing process in a way that gets the point across to someone unfamiliar with the process, while keeping it complex enough to get across the depth of this topic. I also found myself wanting to read more about the topic; because the article provided such good insight into the topic and the potential usage I never found myself bored. One thing I think needed to be better explain was the other diseases it could cure. It mentioned curing 89%, but only specified sickle cell anemia. I think it needed to further clarify other diseases. In order to improve the article, the author needed state what sickle cell anemia was when it mentioned it. It can be inferred that it is a genetic mutation, but it was never explicitly said, which is important for the understanding of the technology.
Sarah Whitney
ReplyDeleteMr. Ippolito
11-4-19
Current Event 7
https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/22/health/gene-editing-study-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html
Caroline’s review of New Gene Editing Technology Could Correct 89% of Genetic Defects by Jessie Yeung had many positive aspects that made it very strong. First, she included a few quotes throughout her summary which provided the reader with an idea of the author’s original perspective and thoughts. Also, Caroline’s critique of the article was very clear and articulate to allow the author to understand how to improve upon their writing.
Although Caroline did many things well, there are two things in which she could improve upon. First, although Caroline’s critique was very well thought out, I wish she would have included more specific details to improve it further. Second, I wish she would have expanded on her ‘relationship to today” paragraph which lacked more independent thought even though it is clear that Caroline has a solid understanding of the knowledge.
I was very impressed to hear that it is now possible for genetic defects to be corrected through new technology. It is crazy that science has come so far as to “edit” someone’s DNA to help them live a happier, healthier life.