Genetic engineering is endangering the livelihoods of future generations
Why new genomic techniques need strict regulation
From the perspective of health and environmental protection, the technical potential of new genetic engineering techniques, especially the applications of CRISPR/Cas, is alarming. This is even recognised by the inventors of the technology. For example, Jennifer Doudna, who has filed many patents for CRISPR technology, writes:
“Given how radical the implications of gene editing are for our species and our planet, opening the lines of communication between science and the public has never been more essential than it is now.”
(Doudna & Sternberg “A Crack in Creation”, 2017)
Therefore, the examples listed here aim to illustrate the risks associated with new genetic engineering technology (also called “new genomic techniques”). If genome edited organisms are not strictly regulated, their release has the potential to endanger biodiversity and our livelihoods (see report Genetic engineering endangers the protection of species).
Insecticidal AI maize
Insecticidal AI maize
Created with ChatGPT
With the help of a publicly available AI tool, the genetic blueprint for insecticidal maize was created in 2025…
‘Resurrection’ of the dire wolf
‘Resurrection’ of the dire wolf
Or ‘just’ a genetically engineered wolf?
The US company Colossal Biosciences wants to ‘bring extinct animals back to life’. In fact, it is creating genetically engineered animals that could endanger the existing species…
Genetically engineered soil bacteria
Genetically engineered soil bacteria
Disruption of soil ecology
In order to stimulate root growth, soil bacteria are genetically engineered so that they continuously produce nitrogen compounds. These bacteria are new for nature…
Changes in keystone genes
Changes in keystone genes
Cascading risks to biodiversity
Genetic engineering was used to reduce the bitter tasting substance in a model plant. This destabilised food webs: in many cases, the number of insects declined…
Manipulated flowering
Manipulated flowering
Disruption of ecosystems
More than 100 NGT applications in plants aim to manipulate their flowering. Among other things, pollination by robots is to be made possible…
Hornless cattle
Hornless cattle
Endangering the breeders’ gene pool
In 2016, new genetic engineering techniques were used to create hornless cattle. In 2019, the animals had to be killed because a gene for antibiotic resistance had been transferred by mistake…
Rice with higher yields
Rice with higher yields
Will genetically engineered rice become weed rice?
Small changes in the rice genome led to increased rice yields and early flowering. But this could also turn it into ‘weed rice’…
Oil plants with altered oil quality
Oil plants with altered oil quality
Small changes with big effects
Optimised for human use – a threat to ecosystems…
Poplars with reduced lignin content
Poplars with reduced lignin content
Weakening of natural populations
AI and new genetic engineering techniques are being used to optimise poplar trees for wood and paper production. However, this can weaken their stability and resilience…
Less pungent mustard
Less pungent mustard
Less pungent – less effective against pests?
With few genetic modifications, mustard plants were made less pungent. However, this may also have weakened their defence mechanisms…