CRISPR, Sickle Cell Disease, and Society: A VR Explainer and Ethics Discussion

This event has ended. You can view the recording on YouTube. Thank you to the participants and all who attended!

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder caused by a single “typo” in the genetic code. CRISPR genome editing is a method for making targeted changes in DNA. CRISPR could be used as a treatment, or even cure, for sickle cell. In fact, the first patient to receive this experimental therapy is now thriving.

This renewed hope comes after decades of slow research advancement and discriminatory treatment of sickle cell patients by doctors. It is no coincidence that in the U.S., sickle cell predominantly affects Americans with African ancestry. Our country’s long history of discrimination against Black people raises a host of ethical questions about where CRISPR belongs in the equation, and how a potentially curative—but inherently risky—therapy should be introduced to the sickle community.

Format

This two-part event begins with a narrated virtual reality “tour” of a human body. A CRISPR scientist will explain what causes sickle cell disease, how it affects the body, and how CRISPR genome editing may be used to repair the sickle mutation.

Following the tour, the audience will join a set of panelists to have a candid conversation on science & society, including topics like health disparities in the U.S., race and racism in medicine, access to emerging therapies, the ethics of CRISPR, and more.

Expert panel

Megan Hochstrasser, PhD | Education Program Manager, Innovative Genomics Institute

Marilyn Baffoe‐Bonnie | Doctoral Student, Rutgers University Department of Sociology

Cassandra Trimnell | Founder and Executive Director, Sickle Cell 101

Mónica Feliú-Mójer, PhD | Associate Director of Diversity and Communication Training, iBiology; Director of Communications and Science Outreach, Ciencia Puerto Rico

Moderator

Kevin Doxzen, PhD | Science Communications Specialist, Innovative Genomics Institute

How to watch and ask questions

After registering through Eventbrite, you will receive a Zoom link in your confirmation email. During the Zoom event, you will have a chance to ask questions, answer poll questions, and engage with the experts.

In your confirmation email, you will also receive a link to watch the event on YouTube without directly engaging. Feel free to share the YouTube link with friends and family so everyone can hear from our exciting panel.

Bay Area Science Festival

This event is part of the Bay Area Science Festival, Northern California’s largest education event, which brings together STEM role models, families, youth and adults to experience the wonder of science. The festival runs Wednesday, October 21st to Sunday, October 25th with 125+ virtual events for all ages and backgrounds.