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In Breakthrough, Scientists Edit a Dangerous Mutation From Genes in Human Embryos
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:26 pm
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:26 pm
LINK
Scientists for the first time have successfully edited genes in human embryos to repair a common and serious disease-causing mutation, producing apparently healthy embryos, according to a study published on Wednesday.
The research marks a major milestone and, while a long way from clinical use, it raises the prospect that gene editing may one day protect babies from a variety of hereditary conditions.
But the achievement is also an example of genetic engineering, once feared and unthinkable, and is sure to renew ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism.
The study, published in the journal Nature, comes just months after a national scientific committee recommended new guidelines for modifying embryos, easing blanket proscriptions but urging it be used only for dire medical problems.
Scientists for the first time have successfully edited genes in human embryos to repair a common and serious disease-causing mutation, producing apparently healthy embryos, according to a study published on Wednesday.
The research marks a major milestone and, while a long way from clinical use, it raises the prospect that gene editing may one day protect babies from a variety of hereditary conditions.
But the achievement is also an example of genetic engineering, once feared and unthinkable, and is sure to renew ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism.
The study, published in the journal Nature, comes just months after a national scientific committee recommended new guidelines for modifying embryos, easing blanket proscriptions but urging it be used only for dire medical problems.
11
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:28 pm to DavidTheGnome
quote:
protect babies from a variety of hereditary conditions
I thought it wasn't a baby until it is born? Must be a mistake here to call it such.
This post was edited on 8/2/17 at 12:30 pm
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:28 pm to DavidTheGnome
It Begins
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:28 pm to DavidTheGnome
quote:Why is this bad?
ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:29 pm to DavidTheGnome
Oh, but GMO's are the devil!!!
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:30 pm to DavidTheGnome
Shouldn't we just let nature take its course?
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:31 pm to DavidTheGnome
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:38 pm to DavidTheGnome
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:41 pm to ell_13
quote:
Why is this bad?
I wonder what we will lose when everyone is building the same designer babies? SciFi is full of stories of outcast individuals that overcome whatever their non standard "problems" are to eventually save the day. For a less fictional example, genetic diversity will be reduced and that often protects species from disease and other threats.
I'm not against pursuing this technology, but it is important for us to consider the consequences before the business models take over and limit our options. I'd be most concerned about the genetic diversity issue.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 12:47 pm to DavidTheGnome
It's too bad that embryonic research is so controversial because I think it has the potential to cure diseases early and allow better lives to be lived down the road.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:03 pm to schwartzy
quote:
It's too bad that embryonic research is so controversial because I think it has the potential to cure diseases early and allow better lives to be lived down the road.
what does this do with things like Down's Syndrome?
not only better lives, but reduced costs for medical treatment!!!
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:06 pm to ShoeBang
quote:
I thought it wasn't a baby until it is born? Must be a mistake here to call it such.
They actually called them embryos and pointed out that the methods would have the effect of protecting babies (further down the line) from genetic defects.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:07 pm to DavidTheGnome
quote:Once again, the Ivy League will rule college football with an iron fist
But the achievement is also an example of genetic engineering, once feared and unthinkable, and is sure to renew ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:09 pm to ell_13
quote:
Why is this bad?
Its a form of Eugenics and, in my and many other peoples opinions, we are not ready as a culture/species to handle this level of control over ourselves yet.
EDIT: Im all for it, here im referring to making "designer babies" in the sense of just looks, athleticism, etc.
Its meant to help us achieve immunity from disease, increases in biological Fitness(as a whole), and allow us to adapt to new environments(either here on earth or in space) but the way humanity is now, it would almost certainly go straight to A Brave New World and create a literal class of "Better" people made up of the super wealthy.
Thats why It needs to be done, obviously, but also why its always going to be controversial. Not even speaking of the religious problems lots of people will have of it.
This post was edited on 8/2/17 at 1:11 pm
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:11 pm to ell_13
quote:
quote: ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism.
Why is this bad?
It's not, if we can 100% be sure that this procedure doesn't harm life. But if it takes 6 tries for the baby not to mis-carry (so, 6 pseudo abortions)...well, now we are severely harming life.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:13 pm to MontyFranklyn
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:17 pm to DavidTheGnome
They need to hurry up and perfect this shite so we can graduate from doing this on embryos and perfect those that are already living.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:22 pm to SundayFunday
Regardless of who's ready, china will be pushing the edge, they just abandoned their one child policy. It will be mandated to breed over there at some point in the near future.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:25 pm to 3lsu3
quote:
It will be mandated to breed over there at some point in the near future.
Posted on 8/2/17 at 1:27 pm to crazycubes
While that may be true as well, clearly not the best use of the English language. I meant that genetic monitoring and modification will be mandated for breeding lol
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