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Fear and celebration at first ‘edited’ embryo

Chinese scientists have changed the genes of human embryos for the first time. Using the technique could lead to major advances in combating disease — but can it overcome ethical objections? Scientists have been capable of editing the genetic makeup of an organism for decades. But one species has always remained untouched: human beings. Now, however, that barrier has been broken. A team at the University of Guangzhou in China have made small alterations to the DNA of embryos. Although the embryos used were non-viable — they would not have been able to live — the breakthrough could allow humans to change their offspring in ways which have so far been the sole preserve of nature. The researchers, who were led by Jinjiu Huang, were able to modify a gene responsible for a potentially fatal blood disorder by injecting an enzyme and another molecule into very recently fertilised embryos. It opens the possibility that scientists could one day edit embryos used in IVF treatment before they are implanted; so one day we might modify people’s genes before their birth. This could in turn allow scientists to find ways of preventing genetic disorders which result from mutated DNA, such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia. The technique will not be widely available for a while, since only 28 of the 54 embryos which the scientists tested after the procedure had been successfully changed. But with similar work rumoured to be underway in countries such as the US, it seems likely to be just a matter of time before the human race makes further advances in its understanding of genetic science. There will be risks — if a procedure goes slightly wrong, it could give babies new diseases or genetic weaknesses. But what is more worrying to many is the possibility that people could go beyond curing illnesses and use the technique to attempt to ‘improve’ the genetic features of human beings. This practice is known eugenics, and it has featured in many dark fantasies about a dystopian future, such as the classic novels Brave New World and Frankenstein. Change your genes Some are instinctively queasy at the prospect of altering human genes, and worry that humans are trying to take the prerogative of God. Who decides which genes are problematic or need changing? That has never been humans’ role before. But some will support the research enthusiastically given the chance to curtail human suffering. Though there will be risks, we should not fear investing money, time and resources in a scientific process which could save, and improve the quality of, countless lives in years to come. Others go further still. Why not use any means possible to improve ourselves? Making the human race stronger and more resilient would allow people to live longer, healthier, happier lives. That is surely the point of all medical research. KeywordsEugenics - The idea that human beings should be improved through genetic engineering. In the past, eugenics has generally involved killing people who are deemed “inferior”.

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