ADULT EDUCATION: CLICK TO JOIN! Mondays | 10:30 am

Monday, July 25 10:30 a.m./

CrispR: EDITING OUR EVOLUTION: REWRITING THE HUMAN GENOME w/ Dr. JAYATRI DAS

As gene editing techniques become more refined, the possibility of changing the human genome is moving from science fiction to reality. What should we do with this power? Many in the scientific community are calling for strict regulations on the use of this technology, while others are excited about the possibilities. Should we create babies who will never know disease? What are the connections and distinctions between treating disease and enhancing physical or cognitive traits? Who gets to decide? The Franklin Institute’s Chief Bioscientist Dr. Jayatri Das will share the science behind CRISPR gene editing technology, discuss its current applications, and lead an interactive discussion about the future of human genome editing and its impacts on our society.

Dr. Jayatri Das is Director of Science Content and Chief Bioscientist at The Franklin Institute and an invited Fellow of the Center for Neuroscience & Society at the University of Pennsylvania. She has led development of several exhibitions at the Institute—including Your Brain, a national award-winning exhibit about the neuroscience and psychology of the human brain—and directs in-person and virtual programming initiatives to advance public science education about materials science, nanotechnology, neuroethics and other areas of emerging science and their societal impact.