As the science of gene editing techniques like CRISPR advances, researchers and governments are considering the ethics of using these methods on humans. The Mayo Clinic describes CRISPR technology as a “cut and paste tool of gene editing.” The technique has the potential to attack cancer and other diseases in an individual’s body.But when the world’s first genetically modified babies were born in China last year, it prompted questions about ethics and regulations.

Dr. Paul Knoepfler is a professor of cell biology and gene researcher with UC Davis who is considering the ethics of gene editing in the real-world. We spoke with him earlier this summer about his work and these ethical questions.

The mythical creatures are the stuff of sci-fi and fantasy fiction, but Knoepfler and his daughter asked the question: What does it take to build a dragon in the real world? How could science help engineer such a creature with the gift of flight, or the ability to breathe fire? Knoepfler and his daughter, Julie, also explore the answers in their book, “How To Build a Dragon or Die Trying: A Satirical Look at Cutting-Edge Science.”

The Trick To DNA's Self-Repairing Ability Is In Its Own Blueprint