Evolution driven by genetic engineering should be known as ‘genetic welding’ to draw scientific and ethical scrutiny

The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been revolutionary, but it has also been highly controversial. In an opinion paper published in the journal Trends in Genetics, evolutionary geneticist Asher Cutter highlights the importance of coining the term ‘genetic welding’ for the anthropogenic manipulation of genetic drive made possible by tools such as CRISPR-Cas9. Separating this process from other processes that influence evolution might be fundamental to ensuring proper consideration is given to the potential future outcomes of genetic welding.

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