本文讨论了CRISPR的偶然性和复杂性。它概述了有关脱靶效应和重复实验工作的关键问题,这些问题在CRISPR吹捧的易于使用和扩散方面需要考虑。根据有关生命科学和生物技术的社会技术层面的文献以及有关前生物武器计划的文献,本文认为,我们需要对影响CRISPR和相关基因编辑技术的社会和技术因素进行更详细的实证案例研究,以便更好地了解它们与生物技术的其他进展有何不同,或者是否仍然存在类似的特征.这些信息对于更好地告知情报从业人员和政策制定者有关新基因编辑技术的安全影响至关重要。
This article discusses the contingencies and complexities of CRISPR. It outlines key problems regarding off-target effects and replication of experimental work that are important to consider in light of CRISPR\'s touted ease of use and diffusion. In light of literature on the sociotechnical dimensions of the life sciences and biotechnology and literature on former bioweapons programs, this article argues that we need more detailed empirical case studies of the social and technical factors shaping CRISPR and related gene-editing techniques in order to better understand how they may be different from other advances in biotechnology-or whether similar features remain. This information will be critical to better inform intelligence practitioners and policymakers about the security implications of new gene-editing techniques.