Cutting Edges and Weaving Threads in the Gene Editing (Я)evolution : Reconciling scientific progress with Legal, Ethical, & Social concerns

Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, hold great promises for the advancement of science and technology. These foundational technologies enable to modify the genetic structure of living organisms with unprecedented precision. Potential applications include both plant, animal and human genetic interventions. In plant biology, gene editing introduces more precise, target- and time-efficient tools to engineer plants for multipurpose uses such as crops, medicines or biofuel. In humans, the technologies offers hope in the fight against severe genetic diseases and many other illnesses. Yet, before society can harness such potential it is imperative to not only consider the enormous benefits of these technologies, but also their problematic aspects from a broader societal and value-based perspective. In this paper an interdisciplinary group of lawyers, biologists, philosophers, social scientists, and physicists analyses and discusses the most problematic legal, ethical and societal implications of gene editing