Numerous studies in the past two years show that CRISPR-based interventions can correct mutations and restore cellular and behavioral function in mouse models of brain diseases. Diseases caused by mutations in genes associated with brain functions - like alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), Huntington’s disease, and Friedreich’s ataxia- have seen major improvements in mice that have had their brains gene edited.
This raises a fascinating possibility - what if this gene editing could go beyond correcting diseases? What if you could get an IQ boost of 20-30 points? For obvious reasons, this would be huge for people on a personal level, but it would also have political effects. What would society be like if everyone were 30 IQ points smarter?
We think we’ll turn ourselves into superhumans with gene editing, and worry about the societal implications and potential uses for evil.
But, the world is dumb. I suspect we’ll actually turn ourselves into figurative pugs or Gros Michel bananas given the chance.
Edit: Which is also really bad.