With CRISPR Cas gene editing tools in hand we are currently experiencing a new dimension in
genetic engineering. But where should the journey lead? Should we treat diseases or better
repair them genetically? Will the new genetic engineering combined with modern reproductive
biology lead to designer babies? And: May we allow a liberalization of these techniques as
citizen science? New methods can precisely alter the genetic material - and they leave no
traces. This gene and genome surgery thrives on increasing knowledge about the mode of action
of genes those trait-giving regions in the genome. This knowledge is being applied in practice
particularly in the breeding of more resistant and higher-yielding crops. And what about us?
The author shows that gene variants have long been associated not only with diseases but also
with nutritional preferences or intelligence. Therapeutic and optimization options are close at
hand. What effect does the environment have on the expression of genetic material? Genes can be
shaped during a person's lifetime by the environment nutrition or experiences and thus passed
on to their offspring in a modified form. So does society have a new form of long-term
responsibility for (epi)genetic integrity? In this vividly and comprehensibly written book the
author explains the state of genetic engineering without assuming too much prior knowledge and
invites an open dialogue on this ambivalent topic. Get your own idea of the fascinating yet
intimidating possibilities of genetic engineering. Where do you stand on the issue? With the
help of this book you have the chance to form a differentiated opinion. This book is a
translation of the original German 1st edition Generation Gen-Schere by Röbbe Wünschiers
published by Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH part of Springer Nature in 2019. The
translation was done with the help of artificial intelligence (machine translation by the
service DeepL.com). The text was subsequently revised by the author. Springer Nature works
continuously to further the development of tools for the production of books and on the related
technologies to support the authors.
