U.S. Intel Official Fears WMD Threat From Gene Editing TechnologyBy Joshua Krause Thats what James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, recently expressed in regards to modern gene editing technologies, though not in the same words. In his annual worldwide threat assessment report, he suggested that genetic editing devices like CRISPR will soon pose a weapons of mass destruction and proliferation threat. Much like 3D printing, this field of technology has grown more accessible and cost-effective in recent years, which has given more people the ability to tinker with the building blocks of life itself. Given the broad distribution, low-cost, and accelerated pace of development of this dual-use technology, its deliberate or unintentional misuse might lead to far-reaching economic and national security implications. Essentially, his concern is that either someone will deliberately use this technology to create a bioweapon, or accidentally unleash genetic horrors onto the world. Other experts expressed doubt over this report, and suggested that we dont have anymore to fear now than we did in the past. After all, it still requires considerable skill and expertise in multiple fields to create a bioweapon. But the fact of the matter remains. Technologies like CRISPR are 150 times cheaper than their predecessors, and it would be reasonable to expect gene editing to become even easier and more affordable in the future. The kind of bioweapons that used to require vast laboratories and hundreds of scientists and technicians, can now be created by any individual with a limited budget and a proper education. As technology progresses, it will only become more accessible from here. In other words, were not in Kansas anymore. Joshua Krause is a reporter, writer and researcher at The Daily Sheeple. He was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a freelance writer and author. You can follow Joshuas reports at Facebook or on his personal Twitter. Joshuas website is Strange Danger. 