We’ve heard a lot about gene editing in recent years and in truth, the closer we come towards a future where the technology is in use, the more controversial the subject becomes. Gene editing technology is getting cheaper, faster and more efficient and all around the world, companies are looking at ways to introduce gene editing technology into our daily lives – in ways we never would have previously even imagined.
When we think of gene editing, the first images that come to mind are totally surreal! From virus resistant babies to entirely pre-coded seeds, some of the results of this technology are as exciting as they can be frightening.
While we’re likely to see a much slower rate of integration in the West with regards to the more controversial uses of gene-editing (such as use on people and children etc.), we’re likely to see some pretty significant results in a short space of time. However, the results of anything related to gene-editing will most likely stir some degree of controversy in the general public.
So rather than jump to the deep end of the pool immediately, companies are more likely to utilize the technology in more ‘user-friendly’ ways. The anticipated products that have resulted from initial experiments are however nonetheless very enticing.
Can you imagine biting into a strawberry, but not tasting a strawberry – at least as we know a strawberry to taste? Can you imagine the sense of synesthesia you’re likely to experience by tasting, say a peach or a watermelon instead? What about the seeds in your tomatoes? Could you imagine them not being there?
These are the kind of mass-market developments that we’re most likely to see in the near future regarding the ability of gene editing. While these seem quite playful, and indeed they are, it will still be a while until many of the more advanced and untested capabilities are likely to surface in the everyday world.