Wow! They did it. They used the CRISPR (see here: https://wordpress.com/posts/bipolar1blog.com?s=crispr) gene editing technology to correct genetic defects in embryos! They didn't let the embryos divide too much. Ethics, morals, scientific problems… the future of the human race…. well just have to see!
The link and article below.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/first-editing-of-human-embryos-carried-out-in-united-states_us_597a04c9e4b02a4ebb73a874?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067
(Reuters) – Technology that allows alteration of genes in a human embryo has been used for the first time in the United States, according to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland, which carried out the research.
The OHSU research is believed to have broken new ground both in the number of embryos experimented upon and by demonstrating it is possible to safely and efficiently correct defective genes that cause inherited diseases, according to Technology Review, which first reported the news.
None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days, according to the report.
Some countries have signed a convention prohibiting the practice on concerns it could be used to create so-called designer babies.
Results of the peer-reviewed study are expected to be published soon in a scientific journal, according to OHSU spokesman Eric Robinson.
The research, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, head of OHSU’s Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, involves a technology known as CRISPR that has opened up new frontiers in genetic medicine because of its ability to modify genes quickly and efficiently.
CRISPR works as a type of molecular scissors that can selectively trim away unwanted parts of the genome, and replace it with new stretches of DNA.
Scientists in China have published similar studies with mixed results.
In December 2015, scientists and ethicists at an international meeting held at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington said it would be “irresponsible” to use gene editing technology in human embryos for therapeutic purposes, such as to correct genetic diseases, until safety and efficacy issues are resolved.
But earlier this year, NAS and the National Academy of Medicine said scientific advances make gene editing in human reproductive cells “a realistic possibility that deserves serious consideration.”
Reporting By Deena Beasley; Editing by Michael Perry
Better to prevent serious illnesses than to treat them.
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Yes but editing genes in embryos can have far reaching results that we can’t even fathom. A bit scary!
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True. My mom’s non-Hodgkins lymphoma has been successfully treated for over 30 years using monoclonal antibody therapy in which antibodies were genetically engineered to attack cancer cells. Not the same as changing genes in embryos, but genetic engineering saved her life.
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