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Beyond curing diseases, CRISPR also has applications in cancer research, agriculture, and even fighting viral infections. Researchers are experimenting with using CRISPR to make crops more resistant to pests and climate change. Others are exploring how it might target viruses like HIV by cutting out viral DNA hidden in human cells.
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However, with such power comes responsibility. Ethical concerns arise around the possibility of “designer babies,” where genetic editing could be misused to select traits like intelligence or appearance. International guidelines stress caution, emphasizing the need to balance scientific progress with ethical safeguards.
