“Genome editing and the replacement, reduction and relief of pain as a cause area”
A few individuals lead near-normal lives with the complete absence of pain due to natural genetic variations.
Genome editing has the potential to replicate these genetic variations in all animals and people.
The problem with eliminating pain is its important role in the detection and avoidance of injury.
The challenge is to remove pain while retaining this function. Options include these 3Rs (inspired by the 3Rs of animal testing):
Replace pain with a painless sensory system. Complete absence of pain while retaining the detection and avoidance of injury.
Reduce the maximum level of pain from 10 to a 1 or 2 on the pain scale. Keep pain but reduce its severity.
Relieve pain for those who, out of choice or necessity, have not replaced or reduced pain.
“Genome editing and the replacement, reduction and relief of pain as a cause area”
A few individuals lead near-normal lives with the complete absence of pain due to natural genetic variations.
Genome editing has the potential to replicate these genetic variations in all animals and people.
The problem with eliminating pain is its important role in the detection and avoidance of injury.
The challenge is to remove pain while retaining this function. Options include these 3Rs (inspired by the 3Rs of animal testing):
Replace pain with a painless sensory system. Complete absence of pain while retaining the detection and avoidance of injury.
Reduce the maximum level of pain from 10 to a 1 or 2 on the pain scale. Keep pain but reduce its severity.
Relieve pain for those who, out of choice or necessity, have not replaced or reduced pain.