CRISPR for Human Embryos? Diseases, Yes – Designer Babies, No
Creating a race of super soldiers is off the table, too.
17 February, 2017
Ethicists fear gene editing could lead to a homogeneous human race, or worse.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a precise method of gene editing. It can snip a gene out of the DNA sequence –say, a harmful mutation – then add a healthy gene to replace it. This new but exciting technique is being used in clinical trials to treat things like hereditary cancer. It could also be a godsend for certain genetic diseases, such as Huntington’s or Tay-Sachs disease, among others. Experimental studies with cancer and blindness are slated to reap benefits this year.
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