The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

 

The Code Breaker explores the developments in gene editing technology through the life of Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna. She helped develop CRISPR to edit genes. Others helped apply this to various life-forms including humans. There is plenty of infighting and maneuvering in the process. Science is about collaboration and the pursuit of knowledge. However, there is also the goal to be "first" and take the credit. Some behind the scenes manipulation is often done to make sure certain papers and patents take priority. Patents and commercialization also lead to other shenanigans that interfere with the pure pursuit of knowledge. The Covid-19 epidemic helped science move back to a more collaborative approach. Research was shared in real-time and people were able to quickly work on new tools. The new vaccines are enabled through past research that allows more direct manipulation of genetic sequences.

The story of Watson, the godfather of the double-helix also comes into play. He was shunned because he has seen a genetic relationship for many things. He "crossed the line" when he advocated a genetic relationship between race and intelligence. This seems very offensive to our culture. The two concepts that lack concrete definitions and genetic identity.  Perhaps there are genes associated with certain appearances that are also correlated with certain cognitive abilities. If we call it race and intelligence, it is taboo. But could research be done to investigate genes related to  mental capability and appearance?

The taboos and ethics could get very interesting as the gene editing technology becomes more available. The initial "customized" baby in China was shunned. However, we already do genetic testing and often abort fetuses with "less desirable" traits, like Down's syndrome. Gene editing could result in greater customization. But will we know enough about these customizations to make good decisions? Might we accidentally wipe out a mutation that is necessary for later survival? Could a rogue entity produce a "gene bomb" that wipes out humanity through a custom mutation.

The book also profiles other people involved. Some of the most interesting are the "DIY" gene manipulators. These are "makers" that use gene editing technology on their own, often on themselves. Will biology replace computation of the new area of innovation?