A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution

Doudna and Sternberg introduce CRISPR gene-editing technology through the lens of Doudna’s recurring dream about facing a tsunami on her childhood beach in Hawaii—a metaphor for the transformative power of this scientific breakthrough.

The authors explain that while humans have influenced evolution through selective breeding for millennia, CRISPR-Cas9 technology now enables direct manipulation of genetic code with unprecedented precision. Scientists have already applied this tool to create enhanced animals, develop improved crops, and potentially treat human genetic diseases. In laboratory settings, researchers have used CRISPR to correct mutations responsible for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and muscular dystrophy.

However, the authors identify significant ethical concerns about CRISPR’s potential application in human embryos. The ability to edit the human germline—genetic information passed between generations—presents both opportunities and risks. While such editing could prevent inherited diseases, it might lead to attempts to enhance normal traits or create “designer babies.” Doudna and Sternberg emphasize that humanity now possesses the unprecedented power to direct its own evolution.

The Prologue describes how Doudna’s role expanded from conducting basic research on bacterial immune systems to engaging with CRISPR’s broader implications. She participated in discussions among scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public about the technology’s responsible development.