Genome Editing: Its power to transform medicine and some potential pitfalls

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Speaker: Dr John Parrington, Oxford University

Since the birth of civilisation, human beings have manipulated other life-forms. We have selectively bred plants and animals for thousands of years to maximize agricultural production and cater to our tastes in pets. The ability to directly engineer the genomes of organisms first became possible in the 1970s, when the gene for human insulin was introduced into bacteria to produce this protein for diabetics.

In the past few years, the pace of progress has accelerated enormously. We can now cut and paste genes using molecular scissors with astonishing ease, and the new technology of genome editing can be applied to practically any species of plants or animals. These new technologies hold much promise for improving lives. Genome editing is now being used clinically to treat AIDS patients, by genetically modifying their white blood cells to be resistant to HIV.

Dr John Parrington explains the nature and possibilities of these new scientific developments, which could usher in a brave, new world. We must rapidly come to understand its implications if we are to direct its huge potential to the good of humanity and the planet.

The highly successful Science in Health Public Lecture Series is now in its fifteenth year and attracts a diverse audience of interested individuals including the public, secondary school pupils and professionals.

The lectures are FREE to attend; no booking is required, so please arrive promptly to ensure a good seat.

There will be opportunities for sixth-form students to meet with some of the speakers before the lectures
– for more information please contact medicengagement@cardiff.ac.uk

To see videos of previous lectures, please visit www.cardiff.ac.uk/push