In a world first, scientists have reported editing the genomes of human embryos.
Chinese researchers using ‘non-viable’ embryos which cannot result in a live birth in order to attempt to modify the gene responsible for a potentially fatal blood disorder called β-thalassaemia. They used a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR/Cas9 (pronounced ‘crisper’) which allows you to cut an organism’s genome at any desired location.
The authors conclude that serious obstacles still exist before using this method in medical applications.
The story have provoked an ethical debate. Our colleagues at the SMC UK have gathered comments.
Original research paper published in PNAS on April 18, 2015.
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