BioCybersecurity

BioCybersecurity brings up ethical concerns. The “dual-use dilemma” is a major issue, as biotechnology may serve good purposes, while simultaneously being used as a weapon. Stronger control and openness are required for misuse prevention, while at the same time promoting helpful studies. At this point, we should also ensure that critical biological information does not fall prey to data leaks and maintains privacy. Technology misuse involves international cooperation, and should be ensured that biotechnologies are beneficial to everyone irrespective of their location. Finally, it needs to be done with an honest approach of providing access to every person, not just the rich.

CRISPR Gene Editing

The danger of “off-target effects,” where undesirable changes in the genome could be achieved during editing, is one major worry that needs close attention. For this reason, it is necessary that we promote improved screening and verification process to reduce such mistakes, while disseminating our findings clearly. Also, there’s the issue of editing genes in human embryos, known as germline editing, which could affect future generations. To address this, we should pause on germline editing until it’s proven both safe and ethical.  Additionally, equitable access to CRISPR technology by all socioeconomic classes should be a nonnegotiable, when considering use of this technology. Moreover, we should not romanticize “Designer Babies” with specific characteristics that will disadvantage some kids and undermine the beauty of nature in human creation.

Progress must be ethically balanced in both areas, taking into account associated risks and ensuring fairness.

Works Cited

Guo, Congting, et al. “Off-Target Effects in CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, vol. 11, no. 1143157, 9 Mar. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10034092/#:~:text=The%20off%2Dtarget%20effects%20occur,et%20al.%2C%202016a)., https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1143157.

Security, National Research Council (US) Committee on a New Government-University Partnership for Science and. “Biosecurity and Dual-Use Research in the Life Sciences.” Www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, National Academies Press (US), 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11496/#:~:text=The%20dual%2Duse%20research%20dilemma. Accessed 16 Oct. 2023.