E13S2 Dr George Church: Is gene editing the way forward for preventing infectious diseases?

The Mind Behind It

Sahil and Huda speak with Dr. George Church, a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His pioneering work has contributed to the development of DNA sequencing and genome engineering technologies. He has also had an important role in the launch of CRISPR technology, including a landmark paper in 2013 that marked one of the first demonstrations of CRISPR genome editing in human cells.

George speaks about his early interest in genetics through his physician uncle, his battle with narcolepsy as a child and his first interaction with CRISPR technology. He also goes into an in-depth layman's explanation of the process involved with gene editing, IVF babies and his lab's work at the Wyss Institute in developing vegan meats for a sustainable feature.

Finally, he gives us an insight into the ethics involved with CRISPR/designer babies, what it means for future research and interestingly how pigs could be used ethically for organ transplants in humans in the future.