Delaney Blackburn, Editor-in-Chief “There is no gene for the human spirit.” – Vincent Freeman, “Gattaca.” For some Christians, genetic engineering is an unlocked door to the alleviation of human suffering. For other Christians, it’s a way for humans to “play God” by altering God’s ... Read more
Genetic modification produces genetically modified animals, plants and organisms. If they are introduced into the environment they can affect biodiversity. For example, existing species can be overrun by more dominant new species.
The three flu pandemics of the 20th century originated from birds, making it critical to fight bird flu. Breakthroughs in gene-editing chickens show promise for eliminating the disease in the future.
UC San Diego geneticists have developed a gene drive-based solution to the widespread problem of insecticide resistance. In an effort to protect valuable crops, the researchers created an “e-Drive” that reverses insecticide resistance and then disappears from the insect population.
Using genetic engineering to significantly change animal species also strays a little bit too close to “playing God.”
While promising, genetic engineering of animals and insects can seriously affect ecological biodiversity.
Genetic engineering of insects and animals can help to eradicate several vector-borne and zoonotic diseases.
There’s a startup planning to use gene editing to control populations of harmful insects.
Scientists are already using gene editing to reduce insects’ resistance to pesticides.