How the development of genetic engineering has affected us

In 2020, scientists Jennifer Doudna och Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for CRISPR-Cas9 – a tool that makes it possible to edit DNA, much like changing text in a document. Four years later, scientists Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield were recognized for their breakthroughs in AI and machine learning, which give machines the ability to learn on their own.

Despite these groundbreaking advances, the researchers themselves have warned of the risks. We are entering a new era where we can not only understand the human genetic code, but also alter it. Where do we draw the line between improvement and overreach?

In The Cell’s new exhibition Me You We, you can explore objects and art connected to the theme of human behavior. Join us for an afternoon where research in genetic engineering sheds light on how technology influences our values, decisions – and behaviors.