5/29/2023 0 Comments Charisma by Jeanne Ryan![]() The first, because it usually pops into my brain all shiny and glorious. If you were offered something like Charisma, would you take it? ![]() This debate isn’t as far off as you might think-just last month, the British House of Commons voted to approve the genetic modification of embryos to replace faulty mitochondrial DNA. We’ll have to tackle the ethical questions around doing so since this could ultimately lead to a Gattaca-like society of genetic haves and have-nots. Of course, along with treatment for disease, there will be those who want to modify genes for enhancement purposes. ![]() Looking farther out, there’s also hope for treating big diseases such as cancer and AIDS. ![]() However, for those able to afford it, I think we’ll see more and more treatments available, starting with those for single-gene disorders. This will make it cost-prohibitive for many people. However, gene therapy itself, where faulty DNA in the human body is replaced with corrected DNA is pretty tricky, since you have to place the modified DNA into the right types of cells in the correct spot, activate it, and hope it replicates quickly enough to overcome the faulty genes. ![]() I think genetically modified drugs will become common, and even applauded (e.g., the ZMapp treatment for Ebola). Do you think gene therapy will ever become a common, reliable source of treatment? ![]()
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