Boston: For the first time, scientists in the US have successfully used gene-editing tools on human embryos to correct defective DNA that cause inherited diseases. According to critics, the experiment could open the gates to the world of "designer babies".
The effort, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University in the US, involved changing the DNA of a large number of one-cell embryos with the controversial gene-editing technique CRISPR.
Previous reports of editing human embryos were all by scientists in China.
For ethical reasons, the embryos were not allowed to develop for more than a few days.
The experiments are a milestone in journey towards the birth of the first genetically modified humans, according to the 'MIT Technology Review'.
Scientists wanted to show that they can eradicate or correct genes that cause inherited disease, like thalassemia.
The genetically modified child would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations.
Critics say that such experiments may open the gates to a world of "designer babies" engineered with genetic enhancements - a prospect opposed by religious organisations, civil society groups, and biotech companies.
"So far as I know this will be the first study reported in the US," said Jun Wu from the Salk Institute in the US, who was involved in the project.
The effort, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University in the US, involved changing the DNA of a large number of one-cell embryos with the controversial gene-editing technique CRISPR.
Previous reports of editing human embryos were all by scientists in China.
The experiments are a milestone in journey towards the birth of the first genetically modified humans, according to the 'MIT Technology Review'.
Advertisement
The genetically modified child would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations.
Advertisement
"So far as I know this will be the first study reported in the US," said Jun Wu from the Salk Institute in the US, who was involved in the project.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
OpenAI Blocks Iranian Group's ChatGPT Accounts For Targeting US Election Video: Private Equity CEO Arrested After Body-Slamming Teen At US Restaurant US Court Calls Google Monopolist, Says It Violates Competition Law Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Mob Sets Cars On Fire After 15-Year-Old Stabbed Inside Udaipur School US Warns Iran Faces "Cataclysmic" Consequences If It Strikes Israel 20 Coaches Of Sabarmati Express Train Derail In UP, No Casualties Two Sisters Returning From Court Run Over By Car In UP: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.