China Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 In US first, scientists edit genes of human embryos For the first time in the United States, scientists have edited the genes of human embryos, a controversial step toward someday helping babies avoid inherited diseases. The experiment was just an exercise in science - the embryos were not allowed to develop for more than a few days and were never intended to be implanted into a womb, according to MIT Technology Review, which first reported the news. Officials at Oregon Health & Science University confirmed Thursday that the work took place there and said results would be published in a journal soon. It is thought to be the first such work in the U.S.; previous experiments like this have been reported from China. How many embryos were created and edited in the experiments has not been revealed. The Oregon scientists reportedly used a technique called CRISPR, which allows specific sections of DNA to be altered or replaced. It's like using a molecular scissors to cut and paste DNA, and is much more precise than some types of gene therapy that cannot ensure that desired changes will take place exactly where and as intended. With gene editing, these so-called "germline" changes are permanent and would be passed down to any offspring. The approach holds great potential to avoid many genetic diseases, but has raised fears of "designer babies" if done for less lofty reasons, such as producing desirable traits. Last year, Britain said some of its scientists could edit embryo genes to better understand human development. And earlier this year in the U.S., the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine said in a report that altering the genes of embryos might be OK if done under strict criteria and aimed at preventing serious disease. "This is the kind of research that the report discussed," University of Wisconsin-Madison bioethicist R. Alta Charo said of the report of Oregon's work. She co-led the National Academies panel but was not commenting on its behalf Thursday. "This was purely laboratory-based work that is incredibly valuable for helping us understand how one might make these germline changes in a way that is precise and safe. But it's only a first step," she said. "We still have regulatory barriers in the United States to ever trying this to achieve a pregnancy. The public has plenty of time" to weigh in on whether that should occur, she said. Click on the link for the full article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Only a few decades late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadySkinsFan Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 The rich would like this. It would never trickle down to the poor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfitzo53 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 59 minutes ago, LadySkinsFan said: The rich would like this. It would never trickle down to the poor. Never is a strong word. The idea of buying a computer for $100 would've been unfathomable not that long ago. I think there are all kinds of ethical questions around this, but our lifetimes are a blip on the radar in terms of humanity's actual history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 2 hours ago, LadySkinsFan said: The rich would like this. It would never trickle down to the poor. If health insurance companies find that the cost of creating these augments is cheaper than the cost of treating in-valids up until they leave their parents' healthcare plan, they'd probably be happy to chip in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sacks 'n' Stuff Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I hope Snyder is looking into this. Super Bowl LXXIV baby! Mutant Redskins roll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Am I the only one that saw the thread title and the day of the week and thought "Throwback Thursday"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterMP Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 8 hours ago, LadySkinsFan said: The rich would like this. It would never trickle down to the poor. I honestly don't think cost will be much of an issue beyond the already high cost of IVF and having a baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twa Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 1 hour ago, PeterMP said: I honestly don't think cost will be much of an issue beyond the already high cost of IVF and having a baby. Yeah How many poor have IVF coverage? Should Medicaid cover it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busch1724 Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I could get behind an executive order by Trump that all females must be genetically altered to look like Mila Kunis and heyday Pam Anderson. Cindy Crawford would be acceptable too. That could really unite the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burgold Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 50 minutes ago, Busch1724 said: I could get behind an executive order by Trump that all females must be genetically altered to look like Mila Kunis and heyday Pam Anderson. Cindy Crawford would be acceptable too. That could really unite the country. Might need some Halle Berry in there too. Not to mention a few very fine Latinas, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llevron Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 Not long now. Eventually some baby crazed scientist will create the "perfect" child but keep it and raise it as her own. Soon after that she/he will realize it is the ultimate being and run for president. Vote President super baby 2020 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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