Biologist Dr. Kevin Chen argues that CRISPR gene drives could eradicate malaria but pose unprecedented ecological risks from engineered species spreading globally.
Which risk-benefit analysis would best support Chen's dual-edged assessment?
Gene drives work in labs
Gene drives spread engineered traits to 99% of wild mosquito populations in contained trials, potentially eliminating malaria's 600,000 annual deaths; however, ecological disruption from eliminating a species is unpredictable, and containment failure risks global spread—both benefit and risk are unprecedented
Malaria is serious
Technology requires caution
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Quantified benefit (99% spread, 600K lives) + unpredictable ecology + containment risk proves both sides.
đź’ˇ Strategy: Dual-edged claims need evidence on both benefit magnitude and risk uncertainty.