Some scientists looking to preserve vulnerable species have turned to a controversial technique: synthetic biology. This catchall term often means genetic engineering – introducing new genes to an organism. And a recent narrow vote by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on using the technology shows how divided scientists are on the issue of releasing genetically altered species. Science correspondent <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/348779465/nathan-rott"target="_blank" >Nate Rott</a> wades into the debate with us and reveals whether or not the Union voted to place a moratorium on releasing gene-edited species. Read more of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5574416/wildlife-conservation-gene-editing-iucn-extinction-synthetic-biology"target="_blank" >Nate’s reporting</a> on the topic.   Interested in more science debates? Email us your question at <a href="mailto:shortwave@npr.org"target="_blank" >shortwave@npr.org</a>. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/shortwave"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org/shortwave</a>. Learn more about sponsor message choices: <a href="https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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