Experts Denounce Practice of Human Gene Modification

Biotech Wired – by MUHAMMAD AHSAN

The news that Chinese scientists have modified the genes of human embryos have caused much stir across the world with researchers criticizing the approach and calling for denouncing the practice. The study was publised on April 18 in the journal Protein & Cell. It shows that they made use of  a genetic engineering technique that is called CRISPR in order to cut out a faulty gene and replace it with a healthy one in human embryos. This technique has the potential of permanently altering human DNA and the changes would be passed to several generations.

“This news emphasises the need for an immediate global ban on the creation of GM designer babies,” said Human Genetics Alert Director, Dr David King.  

“It is critical that we avoid a eugenic future in which the rich can buy themselves a baby with built-in genetic advantages.

“It is entirely unnecessary since there are already many ethical ways to avoid thalassaemia. This research is a classic example of scientific careerism – assuring one’s place in the history books even though the research is unnecessary and unethical.”

The team used a gene-editing technique that is known as CRISPR/Cas9 that was discovered by scientists as MIT. This practice was severely criticized by some researchers.

Prof Shirley Hodgson, Professor of Cancer Genetics, St George’s University of London, said: “I think that this is a significant departure from currently accepted research practice. Can we be certain that the embryos that the researchers were working on were indeed non-viable?

“Any proposal to do germline genetic manipulation should be very carefully considered by international regulatory bodies before it should be considered as a serious research prospect.”

“Their study should give pause to any practitioner who thinks the technology is ready for testing to eradicate disease genes during IVF. This is an unsafe procedure and should not be practiced at this time, and perhaps never”, said George Q Daley, a stem cell researcher at Harvard, referring to in vitro fertilization.

http://www.biotechwired.com/science/experts-denounce-practice-of-human-gene-modification/18248/

6 thoughts on “Experts Denounce Practice of Human Gene Modification

  1. To late. Genetic modification of anything that requires a laboratory to perform should have been stopped in the 70’s.

  2. looking for faulty genes for a desired outcome.
    were being micromanaged by think tanks on a level difficult to grasp because we don’t think in terms of infinite digits and control.
    “experts denounce practice” meaning, no stopping us now suckers!

  3. Looks like they did predictive programming in the late 60s too…being that China is involved it looks like Gene Roddenbury had a scenario up his sleeve when he did the Khan Noonian Singh episode leading to the movie Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan. Even the timing is right: early 21st century.

    Why all this predictive programming? Maybe Hollywood’s connection with the CIA is deeper than even the most aware of us thought it was.

  4. “It is critical that we avoid a eugenic future in which the rich can buy themselves a baby with built-in genetic advantages.”

    If the rich are involved (and you can bet the farm they are), then there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it.

    Except eliminate the rich.

  5. I’m aware of the pitfalls of allowing these kinds of human genetic modification experiments, and as a whole I am against such scientists playing God, however, as the father of a child recently diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1, I would do anything to change the genetic causes of this disease. It’s horrible. No child, or parent should have to endure such a thing.

Join the Conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


*