3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers.
March 1, 2016
1.What technology is poised to change knowledge about life as we know it?
Hint:
Answer: CRISPR is in the news on a daily basis. Usually in the form of an article about gene editing related to disease eradication. CRISPRs are tiny pieces of viral DNA that form part of a bacteria’s immune system which is composed of specialized proteins that enable the organism to fend off viruses. The proteins (e.g. Cas9) act like scissors that precisely and effectively cut DNA at specific spots. While the technology holds great promise in terms off curing gene-based diseases it offers even more with regard to the field of biology as a whole. CRISPR is poised to provide us with in-depth understanding of organic systems, its use not limited to being a mere DNA modification tool — however great that is in and of itself. Read more about CRISPR’s potential applications here.
2. While unfounded stories about the Zika virus continue to circulate, which one is a setback for genetic modification specifically?
Hint:
the genetically modified mosquito: engineered to express pipe cleaners
Answer: 1,014 people in the U.S. were asked to choose one the following statements as correct:
a) genetically modified mosquitoes caused the spread of the Zika virus;
b) genetically modified mosquitoes could minimize the spread of the Zika virus;
c) neither a) nor b); or
d) don’t know.
Sadly, more than 1/3 of respondents chose a) when they should have chosen b). Read the details here.
3. In what industry are hackers hacking with lives, not just systems?
Hint:
Answer: data security experts are often called upon to hack into client systems to determine the extent of client network vulnerabilities. Recently such experts were asked to assess the security status of several U.S. hospitals. The results were heart-attack inducing. The specialists were able to tap into and modify patient monitors, import malware into computer systems from “dropped” USB sticks that were subsequently re-used, access hospital drug dispensary systems and so on. The experts noted that “[t]hese vulnerabilities are a result of systemic business failures.” Read the story here.