Author(s) :

Fan He.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9, a groundbreaking gene-editing tool, has transformed medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology by offering precision and versatility in modifying DNA. Despite its potential to treat genetic disorders and save lives, the application of CRISPR-Cas9 to human genomes raises significant ethical concerns, including unintended consequences, societal inequality, and misuse. To date, only four studies have examined public views on these issues, with the most recent published in 2022. Earlier studies found initial optimism toward CRISPR-Cas9 that later became more cautious, and younger generations generally showed greater support and optimism. Given that public opinion may have shifted in the past three years with the rapid advancement of CRISPR-Cas9, this study examines the ethical perceptions of CRISPR-Cas9 among 461 individuals aged 26 or younger, a demographic likely to influence future societal attitudes and policies. Through surveys, data were collected from the participants on public awareness, familiarity, attitudes, and ethical perspectives toward CRISPR-Cas9. Results reveal that high school students (ages 14-18) and young adults (ages 19-26) show greater awareness, familiarity, and optimism, often supporting therapeutic applications while also expressing concerns about ethical boundaries, equity, overpopulation, and unintended consequences, trends that appear linked to educational exposure. These findings underscore the importance of education that addresses both the promise and the ethical challenges of CRISPR-Cas9, promoting responsible innovation and ensuring its equitable application in society.