NYSCI (The New York Hall of Science)

Kevin Esvelt leads the Sculpting Evolution Group at the MIT Media Lab where he is an assistant professor involved in studying the use of ecological and evolutionary engineering. He talks about his work with “gene drive” systems and the medical and moral implications of CRISPR technology. Esvelt goes over some of the use of gene editing such as the Mice Against Ticks project in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to help prevent the spread of Lyme disease. He discusses his concerns over the lack of institutions to govern CRISPR technology and the need for transparency and morally responsible initiatives in the field of gene editing.