Fears Of Entering Into A ‘Designer Baby’ Era Through Gene Editing Unfounded, Experts Say
For the first time, researchers were able to repair a gene mutation through editing, but that doesn't mean parents will be able to order a custom baby anytime soon, if ever.
The New York Times:
Gene Editing For ‘Designer Babies’? Highly Unlikely, Scientists Say
Now that science is a big step closer to being able to fiddle with the genes of a human embryo, is it time to panic? Could embryo editing spiral out of control, allowing parents to custom-order a baby with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s imagination or Usain Bolt’s speed? (Belluck, 8/4)
The New York Times:
Can Gene Editing Actually Do That?
This week, scientists reported that they had successfully edited harmful mutations out of genes in human embryos. It’s just the latest in a string of gene editing firsts facilitated by a system called Crispr-Cas9, which has enabled scientists, entrepreneurs -- even middle school students -- to snip, insert and delete genetic material with unprecedented precision and ease. (Murphy, 8/4)
