In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild world of DIY genetic engineering, where mail-order CRISPR kits promise to put the power of DNA editing into the hands of literally anyone with an internet connection. Jimmy breaks down what CRISPR actually is (spoiler: it’s not a fancy air fryer), how scientists discovered it by stealing from bacteria, and why it’s both one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern science and a potential recipe for disaster when left in the hands of overconfident biohackers. From curing genetic diseases and revolutionizing food production to some guy in his garage trying to give himself superpowers, CRISPR is already reshaping the world in ways that range from incredible to mildly terrifying.
But with great power comes great responsibility—or at least, it should. As CRISPR continues to advance, ethical questions loom large: Should we edit out genetic diseases? What about designing the “perfect” baby? And who exactly should be allowed to tinker with the fundamental code of life? Jimmy unpacks the real-world stakes of gene editing, the potential for both breakthroughs and disasters, and most importantly—why just because you can order a CRISPR kit online doesn’t mean you should.
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