Episode
#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
1:25:54
Published: Sat Oct 01 2022
Description
Matthew Cobb is a zoologist, professor of zoology at the University of Manchester and an author. Genetic engineering has given humans the ability to modify crops to be resistant to disease and synthesise insulin without needing to kill and extract it from animals. But what are its dangers? Especially in a world where CRISPR and human gene editing is just around the corner. Expect to learn whether we can select and edit embryos to increase IQ or athletic abilities, the biggest close calls we've faced with bioweapon leaks from labs, why there has been 4 complete stops on genetic engineering worldwide when the research community has got scared at what they've discovered, the dark truth behind those two Chinese gene edited girls and much more... Sponsors: Get 10% discount on your first month from BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied) Get 10% discount on all Optimal Carnivore’s products at www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore (use code: WISDOMSAVE10) Get 15% discount on the amazing 6 Minute Diary at https://bit.ly/diarywisdom (use code MW15) (USA - https://amzn.to/3b2fQbR and use 15MINUTES) Extra Stuff: Buy The Genetic Age - https://amzn.to/3RmYHZx Follow Matthew on Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/matthewcobb Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → https://chriswillx.com/books/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact/
Chapters
This podcast episode focuses on the principles of positive psychology and the controversies surrounding gene editing.
00:00 - 04:59 (04:59)
Summary
This podcast episode focuses on the principles of positive psychology and the controversies surrounding gene editing.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Genetically engineered human insulin is safer and more beneficial than the previous versions which were derived from animals and were not identical to the human.
04:59 - 10:40 (05:41)
Summary
Genetically engineered human insulin is safer and more beneficial than the previous versions which were derived from animals and were not identical to the human. This has been achieved through the use of technology to produce insulin with the same molecular structure in a microbe, resulting in better economies of scale and safety for consumers.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
This podcast discusses the ways in which genetic engineering has advanced medicine, including synthesizing anti-cancer drugs more productively, and enabled a better understanding of how organisms function in biology.
10:40 - 17:13 (06:32)
Summary
This podcast discusses the ways in which genetic engineering has advanced medicine, including synthesizing anti-cancer drugs more productively, and enabled a better understanding of how organisms function in biology. The moral dilemma of genetic engineering in relation to the film, Jurassic Park, is also explored.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The concern around the democratization of bioweapons with the advancement of technology.
17:13 - 29:05 (11:51)
Summary
The concern around the democratization of bioweapons with the advancement of technology. The difference of genetics from other sciences in that researchers have called for a pause, a moratorium on research due to concerns about the implications of their discoveries.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The funding of Gain of Function Research, which involves rendering dangerous pathogens even more dangerous, was suspended in the US due to leaks from laboratories.
29:05 - 34:59 (05:53)
Summary
The funding of Gain of Function Research, which involves rendering dangerous pathogens even more dangerous, was suspended in the US due to leaks from laboratories. The risks of genetically modified viruses, bacteria and other pathogens escaping even high security labs is a pressing concern.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The risks associated with gene editing are numerous, from unintended consequences to malicious use, and global regulation is needed to mitigate them.
34:59 - 45:29 (10:30)
Summary
The risks associated with gene editing are numerous, from unintended consequences to malicious use, and global regulation is needed to mitigate them.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
In 2015, a meeting of eminent scientists discussed the need for global consensus on the application of gene editing in human embryos.
45:30 - 52:23 (06:53)
Summary
In 2015, a meeting of eminent scientists discussed the need for global consensus on the application of gene editing in human embryos. They decided to establish a "prudent path" to ensure that everyone agreed on editing the heritable part of the human genome.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The possibility of producing a non-affected baby can be met with genetic engineering.
52:23 - 1:00:25 (08:01)
Summary
The possibility of producing a non-affected baby can be met with genetic engineering. Couples who have a recessive disease or who have two copies of the gene could benefit in having an unaffected child.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Eye color can be complex, with multiple genes influencing color and allowing for the possibility of a blue-eyed child with two brown-eyed parents.
1:00:20 - 1:05:46 (05:26)
Summary
Eye color can be complex, with multiple genes influencing color and allowing for the possibility of a blue-eyed child with two brown-eyed parents. While there are advancements in genetic editing, selecting for IQ or physical traits such as eye color is still far from being a reality.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Gene editing shows promise for treating diseases such as sickle cell, but the ethical implications of heritable changes raise concerns.
1:05:46 - 1:09:47 (04:01)
Summary
Gene editing shows promise for treating diseases such as sickle cell, but the ethical implications of heritable changes raise concerns. Additionally, behavioral genetics may lead some to try and tailor their children to their ideal without understanding the influence of genetics from both parents.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Mosquitoes continue to transmit diseases such as malaria, but a gene can be manipulated in order to make them resistant to these diseases or sterile.
1:09:47 - 1:17:36 (07:48)
Summary
Mosquitoes continue to transmit diseases such as malaria, but a gene can be manipulated in order to make them resistant to these diseases or sterile. However, releasing large amounts of mosquitoes with this modified gene may not be effective in the wild population.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
Complicated science becomes even harder to explain when taken out of the lab and into the real world, leading to misunderstandings about potential benefits and societal implications.
1:17:36 - 1:25:12 (07:36)
Summary
Complicated science becomes even harder to explain when taken out of the lab and into the real world, leading to misunderstandings about potential benefits and societal implications. Even after thorough explanations from experts and also journalists, some people struggle to understand the technology and its applications.
Episode#533 - Matthew Cobb - Should We Genetically Edit Human Life?
PodcastModern Wisdom
This podcast episode offers a reading list of books for free and discounts for various products, including counselling, nutritional products, and diary, to the listeners.
1:25:12 - 1:26:23 (01:10)
Summary
This podcast episode offers a reading list of books for free and discounts for various products, including counselling, nutritional products, and diary, to the listeners.