This is one of the more thoughtful, considered, and balanced reviews I have seen concerning the potential uses and cautions of the new CRISPR technology.



There is much promise, but also much to be concerned with as this technology is developed. I would ask that all involved in this technology exercise extreme risk avoidance in researching and applying CRISPR to natural systems. As the article points out, too much of the time the public is used as unwitting guinea pigs in the application of intellectual and technological theory and practices, as in the case of GMO, antibiotics in animal feed, neo-economic trickle-down theory, political policy (think Flint, MI), etc.



CRISPR applications absolutely should be approved on a case-by-case basis AFTER efficacy and proof of non-harm is firmly established. A responsible scientific community would to a person would insist on it. The good this technology could bring is definitely counter-balanced by the irreparable damage it could cause. Frankly, I fear the latter over time, as what is our legacy?—climate change, pollution, economic and social inequality, ecological overshoot, etc.



Researchers, I challenge you for the sake of the public good to not be blinded by your egos, and a pursuit of professional notoriety and monetary gain. This is a promising technology, however neither CRISPR or you will save the world, so please proceed with prudence, humility, and maturity.



Michael Bain,

Glorieta, New Mexico

