Unnatural Selection Season 1 Episode 3 Changing an Entire Species

The show Unnatural Selection season 1 episode 3 titled "Changing an Entire Species" delves into the intriguing realm of genetic editing and its implications. The episode sees three different groups of people attempting to use gene editing techniques to modify the genetic makeup of different species to achieve various outcomes.

The first group consists of scientists who are working on eradicating a debilitating genetic disorder from a community in the Amazon rainforest. This group uses the revolutionary gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to insert a healthy gene into the DNA of individuals with the disorder. The process is complex, involving careful preparation and testing, but it offers the possibility of completely eradicating the disease from the community.

The second group featured in the episode is a team of scientists in the US who are working on genetically modifying mosquitos to eliminate the spread of diseases like malaria and Zika. They are using a technique called gene drive, which involves programming a genetic modification to spread rapidly through a population. This approach aims to drastically reduce the mosquito population, which is responsible for the spread of dangerous diseases.

The final group of individuals featured in this episode are amateur biohackers who are experimenting with gene editing in their own homes and garages. These individuals are unregulated and unsupervised and have access to gene editing equipment that is usually reserved for scientific research. Their motivation for experimenting with gene editing is driven more by curiosity than anything else, and it raises ethical concerns about the potential dangers of unregulated genetic modification.

Alongside these three groups, the episode touches on the ethical questions surrounding the use of gene editing. For example, who should be allowed to use gene editing technologies, and how should their applications be regulated? It also questions the potential social and economic effects on society, as gene editing could lead to the creation of a new form of genetic inequality. Furthermore, the show raises the question of whether altering the genetic makeup of a species is right and whether we are overstepping ethical and moral boundaries.

Overall, Unnatural Selection season 1 episode 3 titled "Changing an Entire Species" is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the remarkable and complex world of genetic editing. It offers insight into the implications of genetic engineering and the developments surrounding it. It is an excellent addition to the show's first season that continues to delve deeper into the subject of genetic engineering.