Can AI Help With Personalized Medicine? Here's What To Know

A Chinese genetic scientist recently caused an ethical outcry by claiming to have created the world's first gene-edited babies, using CRISPR to modify their DNA before birth to make them resistant to HIV. The procedure, which is effectively barred in most countries, highlights the far-reaching potential of gene editing and CRISPR as well as the ethical, moral and social implications of going too far. And quite understandably, the incident has reignited the conversation around AI and how gene editing should be regulated. CRISPR is a gene editing technology that can be used to precision target specific DNA sequences to deliberately activate or inhibit genes. Ever since it was introduced six years ago, much of the focus has been on CRISPR's potential to treat genetic diseases and its impact on drug discovery and development. The ability to target an individual's distinctive molecular and genetic profile opens up new opportunities in precision or personalized medicine.