The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

Jennifer Doudna discovered her dad had put a paperback book called The Double Helix on her bed one day when she was in the sixth grade. She was drawn into the gripping drama surrounding the race to find the code of life as she quickly skimmed through the pages. She made the decision to become a scientist despite her high school counselor's advice that girls didn't become scientists.

Motivated by an intense desire to comprehend the workings of nature and to transform discoveries into innovations, she would contribute to what the book's author, James Watson, claimed to be the most significant biological advancement since his joint discovery of the DNA structure. With the help of her associates, she transformed a natural curiosity into a technology that has the potential to alter DNA and revolutionize humankind. The discovery of CRISPR revealed an exciting new universe of ethical dilemmas and medical marvels.

The race to develop coronavirus vaccinations and the discovery of CRISPR will speed up the next great technological revolution. We have lived in a digital age for the last fifty years thanks to the internet, computers, and microchips. A revolution in bio sciences is about to begin. Youngsters studying genetic code will be added to those studying digital coding.

Should we use our newfound ability to manipulate evolution to reduce our vulnerability to viruses? That would be such a blessing! How about mitigating the risk of depression? Umm...Should we permit parents to improve their children's height, strength, or IQ if they can afford to do so?

Following her role in the discovery of CRISPR, Doudna emerged as a leader in addressing these ethical concerns and, along with her partner Emmanuelle Charpentier, was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize.