Emerging science and technology issues often elicit mixed reactions % of U.S adults who say teach of the following Genetic engineering Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of a serious illness that could occur over their lifetime is An appropriate use of technology too far Genetic engineering of animals to grow organs/ tissues for humans needing a transplant is about the possiblity of a brain schip implant for a much improved ability to concentrate and process
Americans have differing views about some emerging scientific and technological developments. Scientific and technological developments are a key source of innovation and, therefore, change in society. Pew Research Center studies have explored public reactions to emergent developments from genetic engineering techniques, automation and more. One field at the forefront of public reaction is the use of gene editing of babies or genetic engineering of animals. Americans have mixed views over whether the use of gene editing to reduce a baby’s risk of serious disease that could occur over their lifetime is appropriate (60%) or is taking medical technology too far (38%), according to a 2018 survey. Similarly, about six-in-ten Americans (57%) said that genetic engineering of animals to grow organs or tissues for humans needing a transplant would be appropriate, while four-in-ten (41%) said it would be taking technology too far.
Emerging science and technology  | issues often elicit mixed reactions  | % of U.S adults who say teach of the following  | Genetic engineering  | Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to reduce the risk  | of a serious illness that could occur over their lifetime is  | Taking medical  | An appropriate use of  | technology too far  | medical technology  | 60  | 38  | Genetic engineering of animals to grow organs/ tissues for  | humans needing a transplant is  | Taking medical  | An appropriate use of  | technology too far  | medical technology  | 57  | 41  | Human enhancement  | They are  | about the possiblity of a brain schip implant for  | a much improved ability to concentrate and process  | information  | Not too/not at all  | Very/somewhat worried  | worried  | 69  | 29  | Automation  | The automation of jobs through snew technology lin the  | American workers  | workplace has  | Mostly  | Neither helped  | Mostly hurt  | helped  | snor hurt  | 22  | 48  | 28  | Note: Respondents who did not give answers are not shown.  | Source: Surveys conducted March 2-28, 2016, April 23-May 6,  | 2018, and Dec. 11-23, 2018  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 