Experts warn of CRISPR Bioterror Threat

Recent technological advances in methods for gene editing allow scientists to quickly and accurately alter DNA. While this has increased the efficiency of research involving genetic diseases, many experts express the fear that gene editing could be potentially manipulated as a bioterror threat.

James Clapper, the US director of national intelligence, recently testified before the Senate that gene editing is one of the six potential weapons of mass destruction that pose major threats to the United States. Clapper’s report described how the “deliberate or unintentional misuse” of gene editing technology “might lead to far-reaching economic and national security implications.”

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/feb/12/rogue-scientists-could-exploit-gene-editing-technology-experts-warn

- Linda Shin