Biotechnology is a broad discipline in which biological processes, organisms, cells, or cellular components are involved in the development of new technologies. One of the primary goals of modern biotechnology is to help restore, improve, and extend human lives.

Historically, cutting edge research at the intersection of biology and technology brought us vaccines, cancer therapies, organ transplantation, and even babies. In a few years, science fiction will turn into science fact as human biotechnology takes us into uncharted waters. Smart contact lenses, 3-D printed organs, ulcer fighting robots, and limb regeneration are poised to revolutionize health and medicine. With the advent of CRISPR, gene editing could become more accurate and even ‘easy\’.

How do we envision and plan for a future where biotech is safe and ethical for everyone? How do scientists, lawmakers, and the public develop a framework for its ethical stewardship? As biotech advances, the scientific community and the public have the opportunity to consider the possible future outcomes of this research.

For this Technology & Consciousness conversation, we have invited two experts to weigh the benefits and risks of biohacking and tackle the question: Just because we can intervene with the human genome, should we?

Join Marcy Darnovsky and Osagie K. Obasogie as they discuss current and emerging biotechnologies and examine the ethical challenges of genetic manipulation, reproductive technologies, and wearable technology.