Hastings Center News
Erik Parens Addresses National Academies on Human Genetic Enhancement
What if gene editing technologies such as CRISPR could be used to safely and effectively “enhance” future generations – to make them, for example, better able to perform on IQ...Read “Erik Parens Addresses National Academies on Human Genetic Enhancement”
Bioethics Forum Essay
The Nebulous Ethics of Human Germline Gene Editing
Should scientists pursue research that would enable prospective parents to edit the genes of their future children in ways that could be passed onto subsequent generations? Not for now, according...Hastings Center News
Playing God: From Frankenstein to Gene Editing
What lessons does Frankenstein hold for us today, when powerful new technologies such as gene editing and artificial intelligence are bringing us closer than ever to playing God? That question...Bioethics Forum Essay
Human Gene Editing Report: Moving Forward Incrementally
It’s the conversation that really interests me. The NASEM report is plop in the middle of a national and indeed a global inquiry into how genetic science can let us tweak the world—human beings, human nature more generally, other organisms, ecosystems, the biosphere at large. What are the terms of that inquiry?Read “Human Gene Editing Report: Moving Forward Incrementally”
Hastings Center News
Watch The Hastings Center’s Symposium on Gene Editing at AAAS Annual Meeting
A symposium organized by The Hastings Center for the AAAS annual meeting took place on February 17. Click here to watch. “The Ethics of Gene Editing: Should Concerns Beyond Safety...Read “Watch The Hastings Center’s Symposium on Gene Editing at AAAS Annual Meeting”
Hastings Center News
What Does It Mean to Be Human?
World-renowned theologian Harvey G. Cox, Jr. came to The Hastings Center for a wide-ranging conversation about the impact of gene editing on humanity. Joined by Daniel Callahan, cofounder of The...Bioethics Forum Essay
Engineering Consensus in the Development of Genome Editing Policy
In the past few weeks media outlets have been reporting on the release of Human Genome Editing: Science, Ethics, and Governance from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine....Read “Engineering Consensus in the Development of Genome Editing Policy”
Hastings Center News
Hastings Center Scholar Participates in Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate on De-Extinction
Seated on a stage with a museum model of a dodo and a pair of mammoth tusks, a panel of experts debated what is exciting and what is frightening about...Read “Hastings Center Scholar Participates in Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate on De-Extinction”
Hastings Center News
Association of Health Care Journalists Meeting Features Hastings Center Experts
The Hastings Center teamed up with the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) to create three sessions on gene editing for its annual meeting in Orlando on April 20. In...Read “Association of Health Care Journalists Meeting Features Hastings Center Experts”
Hastings Center News
Hastings Center Organizes Symposium for International Journalism Conference: Ethical Debates on New Genetic Technologies
The Hastings Center is working with the World Conference of Science Journalists to organize a pre-conference symposium, “New Genetic Technologies: Ethical Debates and Global Science Policy.” The 10th World Conference...Bioethics Forum Essay
Gene Editing, “Cultural Harms,” and Oversight Mechanisms
Is it reasonable to hope that concerns about “cultural harms” can be integrated into oversight mechanisms for technologies like gene editing? That question was raised anew for me by the...Read “Gene Editing, “Cultural Harms,” and Oversight Mechanisms”
Hastings Center News
Hastings President Addresses National Conference on the Wise Use of Emerging Technologies
Hastings Center president Mildred Solomon delivered a keynote address at the Future of Medicine conference, a national health care conference celebrating the convergence of technology, bioethics, population health, and preventive...Read “Hastings President Addresses National Conference on the Wise Use of Emerging Technologies”
Hastings Center News
Is it Ethical to Use Genetic “Evolutionary Rescue” for Conservation?
Hastings Center research scholar Gregory Kaebnick participated in a multidisciplinary workshop at the University of Montana in Missoula on May 25 – 26 to examine the potential for using genome...Read “Is it Ethical to Use Genetic “Evolutionary Rescue” for Conservation?”
Hastings Center News
Hastings Center Welcomes Inaugural Rice Family Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioethics and the Humanities
Joel Michael Reynolds has joined The Hastings Center as its first Rice Family Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioethics and the Humanities. The fellowship is supported by the National Endowment for the...Hastings Center News
Natalie Kofler: What Role Should Humans Play in “Editing Nature”?
Natalie Kofler, a postdoctoral research scientist at Yale University, visited The Hastings Center earlier this summer to explore the ethical questions surrounding the use of gene editing technologies in the...Read “Natalie Kofler: What Role Should Humans Play in “Editing Nature”?”
Hastings Center News
International Conference Co-Organized by Hastings Examines the Ethics of Gene Editing
Following recent advances in gene editing technologies, including the first recorded use of CRISPR/Cas9 in human embryos in the United States, The Hastings Center cosponsored an international conference, “Genome Editing:...Read “International Conference Co-Organized by Hastings Examines the Ethics of Gene Editing”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Is it Ethical for Scientists to Create Nonhuman Primates with Brain Disorders?
In early 2016, Nature published a letter from a group of Chinese researchers reporting that they had created rhesus macaques with “autism-like” behaviors. The macaque was bred with a mutation...Read “Is it Ethical for Scientists to Create Nonhuman Primates with Brain Disorders?”
Hastings Center News
Breakthrough Cancer Treatment: Hastings Scholars Discuss Hope and Challenges in Health Affairs
The first gene therapy for cancer, approved by the Food Drug Administration in August, will transform the treatment of a particular kind of cancer in children and young adults. It’s...Hastings Center News
Josephine Johnston Tackles Gene Editing in “Prestigious Speaker” Series
Using gene editing to modify genes responsible for devastating illnesses such as cystic fibrosis seems overwhelmingly desirable, but could there be unintended consequences? Might the ability to select for certain...Read “Josephine Johnston Tackles Gene Editing in “Prestigious Speaker” Series”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Do We Have a Moral Obligation to Genetically Enhance our Children?
The Oxford philosopher Julian Savulescu, among others, has argued that prospective parents engaging in embryo selection using preimplantation genetic diagnosis not only may seek to have genetically enhanced children but...Read “Do We Have a Moral Obligation to Genetically Enhance our Children?”
Hastings Center News
Hastings Center Genetics Symposium Draws Journalists from Around the World
Is there a parental obligation to create “better” babies? Now that scientists can genetically edit plants and animals for agricultural and other purposes, what can we learn from the longstanding...Read “Hastings Center Genetics Symposium Draws Journalists from Around the World”
Hastings Center News
The Hastings Center Plans Genetics Workshop for Science Teachers
How can secondary school science teachers help their students think critically about the social and ethical implications of recent advances in gene editing? The Hastings Center is inviting these teachers...Read “The Hastings Center Plans Genetics Workshop for Science Teachers”
Hastings Center News
Responsible Science in a Perilous Time: Hastings and Union of Concerned Scientists Join Forces
Climate change, nuclear proliferation, and the advancement of gene editing and other transformative biotechnologies pose enormous global challenges. How can we promote responsible science, good governance, and opportunities for public...Hastings Center News
Hastings Scholar on Public Radio’s “Science Friday”: “Frankenstein” at 200
Frankenstein, published 200 years ago this month, asked what it means to be human. In the age of CRISPR and artificial intelligence, that question endures. On Public Radio International’s “Science...Read “Hastings Scholar on Public Radio’s “Science Friday”: “Frankenstein” at 200”
Hastings Center News
Should We Pursue Genetic Cognitive Enhancement?
That was one of the many questions explored at a public event at the New York Academy of Sciences on May 21, cosponsored by The Hastings Center, the Aspen Brain...Hastings Center News
Documentary Series Premiere on Genetic Medicine Features Hastings Scholars
Hastings Center president Mildred Z. Solomon and director of research Josephine Johnston were featured speakers at the premiere screening of The Code, a series of three documentaries on the origins...Read “Documentary Series Premiere on Genetic Medicine Features Hastings Scholars”
Hastings Center News
World Science Festival Features Hastings Scholars on Gene Editing
Where do we draw the line between safe and dangerous applications of CRISPR, the gene editing technology that allows us to make permanent, even heritable, changes to the genetic code?...Read “World Science Festival Features Hastings Scholars on Gene Editing”
Bioethics Forum Essay
The Only PhD Scientist in Congress Speaks About Truth, Politics, and Human Flourishing
At a time when facts are distorted, disregarded, and ignored in policy making and political discourse, the need in Washington for seekers and defenders of truth has perhaps never been...Read “The Only PhD Scientist in Congress Speaks About Truth, Politics, and Human Flourishing”
Hastings Center News
Should Gene-Edited Mice Be Released to Control Lyme Disease?
Hastings Center research scholar Carolyn P. Neuhaus participated in a panel discussion on Martha’s Vineyard on July 12 to discuss a proposal to release genetically modified mice to curb the...Read “Should Gene-Edited Mice Be Released to Control Lyme Disease?”
Hastings Center News
Bioethics Workshop for Secondary School Teachers Examines the Ethics of Human Gene Editing
Today’s young people will inevitably grapple with decisions about emerging biotechnologies, such as whether new gene editing technologies should be used to choose the traits of their children or enhance...Read “Bioethics Workshop for Secondary School Teachers Examines the Ethics of Human Gene Editing”
Hastings Center News
The Hastings Center Celebrates Outstanding Journalists
Three journalists received The Hastings Center Awards for Excellence in Journalism on Ethics and Reprogenetics. The awards were presented at an event in New York City on December 6 that...Read “The Hastings Center Celebrates Outstanding Journalists”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Should We Edit the Human Germline? Is Consensus Possible or Even Desirable?
I started writing this on my way back to New York from the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing, held in Hong Kong November 27 to 29, where the...Read “Should We Edit the Human Germline? Is Consensus Possible or Even Desirable?”
Bioethics Forum Essay
He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure: Why Him? Why China?
The birth of gene-edited twin girls was announced by a young Chinese scientist He Jiankui through one of four self-made promotional videos in English on YouTube (a website officially banned...Read “He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure: Why Him? Why China?”
Bioethics Forum Essay
CRISPR in China: Why Did the Parents Give Consent?
The global scientific community has been unanimous in condemning Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who announced last week that he used the gene-editing technology called CRISPR to make permanent, heritable changes...Bioethics Forum Essay
He Jiankui: A Sorry Tale of High-Stakes Science
In response to news of the world’s first babies born in China from gene-edited embryos, Sam Sternberg, a CRISPR/Cas9 researcher at Columbia University, spoke for many when he said “I’ve...Bioethics Forum Essay
He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure, Part 2: How Different Are Chinese and Western Bioethics?
When the world’s first research on editing the genes of human embryos by Chinese scientists was published in an international journal in 2015, a report in the New York Times...Read “He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure, Part 2: How Different Are Chinese and Western Bioethics?”
Bioethics Forum Essay
He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure, Part 3: What Are the Major Ethical Issues?
In their single-minded venture of “producing” (shengchan, in their own word) the world’s first gene-edited babies, He Jiankui and his associates have posed numerous and daunting ethical challenges to China...Read “He Jiankui’s Genetic Misadventure, Part 3: What Are the Major Ethical Issues?”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Scientists Disagree About the Ethics and Governance of Human Germline Editing
Despite the appearance of agreement, scientists are not of the same mind about the ethics and governance of human germline editing. A careful review of public comments and published commentaries...Read “Scientists Disagree About the Ethics and Governance of Human Germline Editing”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Chinese Bioethicists Respond to the Case of He Jiankui
A preliminary investigation by Guangdong Province in China of He Jiankui, the scientist who created the world’s first gene-edited babies, found that “He had intentionally dodged supervision, raised funds and...Read “Chinese Bioethicists Respond to the Case of He Jiankui”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Moratorium on Human Genome Editing: Time to Get It Right
Last month, the journal Nature published a call for a global moratorium on heritable human genome editing. Despite criticism, notably from CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, the moratorium is just what's needed now.Read “Moratorium on Human Genome Editing: Time to Get It Right”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Why Avoid the “M-Word” in Human Genome Editing?
It is a truism that good ethics begins with good facts. Here are some of the facts about the ethics and politics of heritable human genome editing from 2015 to 2019.Bioethics Forum Essay
Pursue Public Engagement, but Don’t Expect ‘Broad Societal Consensus’
Read “Pursue Public Engagement, but Don’t Expect ‘Broad Societal Consensus’”
Hastings Center News
Watch the Livestream: Genomics Enters the Clinic
What do patients and DTC genetic test consumers need to know about the clinical applications of genetics? That question was the focus of a recent public event at the New York Academy of Sciences, cosponsosred by The Hastings Center. Read a recap of the highlights and watch the livestream.Bioethics Forum Essay
Why Human Germline Editing Might Never Be Legal in the U.S.
What would it take for the first case of gene editing of a human embryo, egg, or sperm to proceed in the U.S.? Many legal and ethical hurdles involving clinical trials, for starters.Read “Why Human Germline Editing Might Never Be Legal in the U.S.”
Hastings Center News
Hastings Partners on Unprecedented Genetics Resource Hub
Read “Hastings Partners on Unprecedented Genetics Resource Hub”
Hastings Center News
New Book: Human Flourishing in an Age of Gene Editing
New book edited by Hastings Center scholars explores fundamental questions about the nature and well-being of human beings at a time when a revolutionary new biotechnology could permanently change the human species.Read “New Book: Human Flourishing in an Age of Gene Editing”
Hastings Center News
Watch the Livestream Tonight: Ethics of Technology Keynote Lecture by Hastings Center’s Josephine Johnston
The Hastings Center’s director of research Josephine Johnston will explore how parental responsibilities are challenged by new genetic technologies in the keynote address of the “Ethics of Technology,” a yearlong lecture series at Washington & Lee University that begins on September 26.Bioethics Forum Essay
When Might Human Germline Editing Be Justified?
Last month, an international commission convened to consider whether and how germline editing – changing the genes passed on to children and future generations -- should proceed. The discussions focused mainly on the safety risks of the technology, which, while important, are not the only issues to consider. Any conversation regarding germline editing must also honestly and thoroughly assess the potential benefits of the technology, which, for several reasons, are more limited than generally acknowledged.Bioethics Forum Essay
Hannah Arendt in St. Peter’s Square
Neither one of us expected to be talking about Hannah Arendt at the Vatican. We had been invited to give talks at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on the scientific and ethical challenges posed by personalized medicine. Walking across the cobblestones of St. Peter’s Square we began to discuss how society regulates biomedical research. Are institutional review boards capable of dealing with innovations like personalized medicine? Are they too bound by regulations? Can they ask larger questions of meaning when simply following the rules won't suffice? And most worrisome, has their bureaucratic function caused them to mistake regulatory compliance for ethical reflection?Hastings Center News
Five Things Bioethicists See in Our Future
Hastings Center News
Yes, We’re Animals: Why We Should Face Up to This Reality Now
In an age of new biotechnologies, from gene editing to neural enhancement, is there a tension in the idea that humans have special value because they’re somehow different or exceptional in nature? Dwelling on the idea that there’s something extraordinary about being human – and ignoring our kinship with life on our planet – is becoming a problem, says Melanie Challenger, an award-winning British writer and a member of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics who has been a visiting scholar at The Hastings Center in November.Read “Yes, We’re Animals: Why We Should Face Up to This Reality Now”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Chinese Bioethicists: He Jiankui’s Crime is More than Illegal Medical Practice
Professionals and the public in China first learned of the jail sentence of He Jiankui from the report of Xinhua News Agency. No information, including any interpretation, was provided by the Court. But the reported words of the sentence are so ambiguous as to leave room for different interpretations. We believe that the public has the right to know more than Xinhua News Agency reported.Read “Chinese Bioethicists: He Jiankui’s Crime is More than Illegal Medical Practice”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Transcending Borders in the Ethical Oversight of Human Genome Editing
The bioethics and legal communities must come together to find ways to move with the same ease of the scientific research community--to transcend the geopolitical borders and jurisdictional concerns that make international regulation so difficult.Read “Transcending Borders in the Ethical Oversight of Human Genome Editing”
Bioethics Forum Essay
From Gene-Edited Embryos to Covid: China Faces Regulatory and Ethical Challenges
Over the last two years, China has updated some regulations on human genetic engineering and assisted reproduction and established a national committee to guide and supervise bioethics nationwide. But there are legal gaps in some of the regulations and tension between competing values: the desire to encourage new research and to potentially inhibit it by imposing stricter ethics regulations.Read “From Gene-Edited Embryos to Covid: China Faces Regulatory and Ethical Challenges”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Could Alarm Over Genetic Manipulation Get in the Way of Environmental Conservation?
The American chestnut is basically defunct, unless science can rescue it. Genetic manipulation may be the answer.Read “Could Alarm Over Genetic Manipulation Get in the Way of Environmental Conservation?”
Bioethics Forum Essay
Is Chinese Bioethics Ready to Move Forward from the CRISPR Baby Scandal?
The Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing is being held in London this week. Chinese biophysicist He Jiankui’s illegal experimentation with heritable human genome editing, announced at the Second International Summit in Hong Kong four years ago, will haunt some of the discussions. To what extent has the Chinese bioethics community addressed gaps exposed by the Crispr Baby scandal and prepared to prevent similar future scenarios?Read “Is Chinese Bioethics Ready to Move Forward from the CRISPR Baby Scandal?”
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TRANSCRIPT: Towards Navigating Danger and Promise Together — Editing the Human Genome
Transcript generated by machine and may contain errors Dani Pacia Hello, everyone. Welcome to the Hastings Center event toward navigating danger and Promise together editing the human genome. This discussion...Read “TRANSCRIPT: Towards Navigating Danger and Promise Together — Editing the Human Genome”
Bioethics Forum Essay
What Happened to Concerns About Human Enhancement?
Prominent science policy reports that set the stage for the recent Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing all raise questions about human enhancement. Enhancement concerns also consistently loom large...Hastings Center News
After the First CRISPR Drug, What’s Next?
The first therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology—a drug for sickle-cell disease-—was approved a couple of months ago and hailed as a milestone. What might be the next CRISPR drugs?...Bioethics Forum Essay
De-extinction is Here. Now What?
Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology company, announced that it has achieved a scientific first -- bringing back an extinct animal: the dire wolf. Crucial questions emerge about scientific hubris, playing God with cool new technological toys, and more.
