In his book *Redesigning Life*, John Parrington asks: How will genome editing change the world? Humans have been manipulating plant and animal genomes through hybridization since the dawn of history. Genetic engineering emerged in the 1970s, applied to the development of crops and genetically modified mice, and has since played a major role in the beneficial development of specific plants and animals. However, a pressing question has now surfaced in scientific and technical circles: Why is genome editing dominating the headlines? In this book—published by Kuwait’s National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters and translated by Laila Al-Mousawi—the author explains that genome editing involves "cutting and pasting" DNA sequences within the genome using "molecular scissors." This method is far faster and cheaper than traditional genetic engineering—which relies on transferring entire genes from one species to another—and offers greater precision. Applicable to almost any living organism, the technology is easily accessible even to small laboratories worldwide. When combined with emerging fields such as optogenetics and the latest advances in stem cell technology, genome editing is poised to transform every aspect of our lives in the coming decades. In the book's introduction, Barrington invites us to imagine living organisms that are as easily editable as a Microsoft Word document. He asks us to consider the possibilities if we could tweak an organism's genetic code here and there—bestowing upon it traits that are slightly or even radically different. The author focuses on the potential for radical transformation through genome development and editing, making it possible to "cut and paste" genetic material from one organism to another. This could allow for the adaptation of microorganisms to produce new types of fuel, or the engineering of livestock, poultry, and crops to yield leaner meat or juicier fruit—as well as to withstand extreme temperatures and drought in the face of escalating climate change challenges. The author adds that if genome editing truly becomes as simple as editing text on a computer, medicine itself could be revolutionized; instead of suffering from devastating conditions like cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy, we might be able to correct the underlying genetic defects in affected tissues. Regarding genome control, the author discusses the potential to engineer advanced forms of life and even replicate talents in fields like soccer, music, or science. However, he notes that this relies on manipulating natural organisms, and as genetic engineering advances, the science could give rise to terrifying future possibilities. The 456-page book comprises ten chapters bearing the following titles: Naturally Occurring Mutant Organisms; Make My Mouse Giant; Light as a Tool for Life; Gene Scissors; Models of the Coming Year; The Molecular Farm; New Gene Therapy; Regenerating Life; Life as a Machine; and A Redesigned Planet. The author anticipates significant future advancements in optogenetics, the treatment of intractable diseases, and neuroscience—fields that enable us to uncover how specific neurons contribute to complex brain functions such as learning, memory, pain, and pleasure, as well as to modulate the activity of neurons and stem cells using electromagnetism and ultrasound. Can these sciences—and others—design a model for a different kind of human life in the future, free from risk, in an era racing toward advanced genetic technology?