Gene editing - the next bio-tech revolution or a Frankenstein monster?

Dirt Radio

Gene editing is a new bio-engineering technique that allows precision dicing and splicing of DNA – like a pair of molecular scissors - and, according to its proponents, the process can be used to cure everything from AIDS to malaria. Louise Sales campaign co-ordinator of FoE’s Emerging Tech Project has been investigating.Dr. Michael Antoniou, specialist in molecular genetics at King’s College London, explains how gene editing works and why this newly fashionable bio-technology needs to be rigorously tested and then regulated before being fully introduced in Australia.Claire Robinson, co-author of GMO Myths and Truths and editor of GMWatch.org talks about how countries in Europe are responding to this emerging technology, and the implications for growing crops and raising animals for food consumption.