Degree Type
Creative Component
Semester of Graduation
Spring 2019
Department
Agronomy
First Major Professor
Jeffrey Wolt
Second Major Professor
Thomas Lubberstedt
Degree(s)
Master of Science (MS)
Major(s)
Plant Breeding
Abstract
Genome editing technologies have the capability of providing a quick, relatively inexpensive method of plant breeding that could greatly expand breeding efforts across species. CRISPR-Cas9 has become one of the leading forms of genome editing, but the level of investment and number of products developed with the technology will be greatly affected by both regulatory decisions made around the world and the level of consumer acceptance. The ability of scientists who are involved with genome editing research to communicate with non-experts will impact the outcomes of both factors. This paper reviews available literature on scientific communication, provides a high-level discussion on the CRISPR-Cas9 system of genome editing, and links the two topics with a discussion of how scientific communication will affect the utilization of CRISPR-Cas9, providing recommendations for those who wish to engage in the discussion. This review of the literature makes it apparent that it will not be sufficient to solely educate the public about gene editing technologies; rather, a dialogue must be opened that will both educate and address regulatory and consumer concerns in an honest, transparent way.
Copyright Owner
Sarah Fleischmann
Copyright Year
2019
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Fleischmann, Sarah, "Scientific Communication and CRISPR" (2019). Creative Components. 171.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/creativecomponents/171
