Will and may we tinker with our genes?

Will and may we tinker with our genes?

The respected journal "Science" has chosen a biochemical process as its breakthrough of the year: CRISPR/Cas9.

It enables a relatively simple, fast and cost-effective modification of genes.

CRISPR/Cas9 promises to revolutionize medicine and biotechnology.

Like with scissors, a specific sequence of DNA can be cut out.

Gene segments can then be removed, modified, switched off, exchanged for another DNA-sequence.

It is a kind of 'biological word processing program' with which humans can 'edit' their existence and that of their environment. A truly powerful tool.

A continuation of evolution by other means, so to speak.

The fact that humankind is on the cusp of taking evolution into their own hands instead of being its plaything, fuels hope and even fantasies of omnipotence among some and fears among many others.

After all, the process not only has effects on living beings, but also on complete ecosystems.

And in the case of humans, on their identity, their values and their social structures.

It is highly likely that changes in the human germ line will continue to be handled very restrictively in the future, partly because changes are passed on.

But it is no longer a taboo.

In Great Britain, scientists are allowed to modify the genetic make-up of human embryos - albeit only for research purposes, so far.

And Chinese scientists have already performed genetic manipulations on embryos to test whether it is possible to eradicate a genetic disease in which too little haemoglobin is produced, i.e. the pigments of the red blood cells.

However, this is all still pretty far away from clinical application.

There are many fears: They range from the danger of abuse by a self-optimizing and empowering super elite to the extinction of humankind by 'mutants' who overpower us.

It does make sense to think of such extreme scenarios.

But they also have a disproportionate effect in a world in which millions of people die every year from the consequences of alcohol and tobacco consumption or from car accidents because they are allowed to take unreasonable risks and act

This is exactly what responsibility means here: taking risks consciously and sensibly. But it also implies an obligation to seize opportunities. And they are immense and numerous. Imagine the future when CRISPR/Cas9 is mature:

• Numerous genetic hereditary diseases have been eradicated cancer and AIDS are curable, even preventable
• Replacement organs for humans can be bred in animals
• Higher-yielding and more robust plants have solved the food problem of a growing world population
• The use of pesticides in agriculture could be dramatically reduced or even completely avoided
• New enzymes have revolutionized biofuel production mosquitoes can no longer transmit malaria and other dangerous pathogens

It has always been humankinds's goal to improve themselves and their living conditions. To this end we use science and technology and in doing so we always crossed borders.

In a way, this is also an emancipation from an often threatening or even deadly natural environment.

This can be criticized as human arrogance and a never-ending mania for optimization.

But please do not overlook the fact that we live in a much better world today than we did 100 years ago. Thanks to progress in science and technology.

It is hard to imagine how burdensome and short our lives would still be if we hadn't taken advantage of earlier opportunities.

Gene editing is another technology that outright forces us to make decisions.

It forces us to be sovereign designers of our future - even if it means to decide to use these technologie deliberately only to a limited extent or even not at all.

But perhaps we will decide to use it not only in the fight against disease, but also as an enhancement technology to improve our physical and cognitive capabilities and lead a healthier and longer life.

These are strong needs that some people are already today spending a lot of money on satisfying them. Those who have the money.

Wouldn't it be better if these opportunities were available to virtually everyone?

With CRISPR/Cas9 and similar techniques, we can put an end to fateful diseases, make our land pesticide-free and much more.

These prospects alone make it worth leading the discussion about genetic technologies not hysterically and not dogmatically, but to consider all the arguments, including the huge benefits.

The real challenge lies in the fact that we can never completely master complex systems. We simply cannot be absolutely sure what tampering with our genes will cause. But we were never really sure about all the consequences of our progress. And yet we enjoy a higher quality of life than ever before.

If, however, we were to prohibit gene editing altogether, we would actually also have to prohibit most medicines and surgeries on the same principle.

Now what?

Take a closer look. Perhaps you are working in an industry that has not yet realized that and how white, green or red genetic engineering can better solve its customers' problems and fulfill their wishes.

For the benefit of your customers, your company and - what es most important - the benefit of humankind.

In the end - as so often - the advantages should be very welcome and the dangers largely controllable.