Major report prepares ground for genetic modification of human embryos
by Ian Sample Science editor from on (#2CNA8)
US institutions cautiously endorse future use of gene editing procedures to prevent people passing serious medical conditions to their children
Powerful gene editing procedures could one day be allowed to prevent people from passing on serious medical conditions to their children, according to a major report from senior US researchers.
The cautious endorsement from two of the most prestigious US science institutions means that human embryos, sperm and eggs could all be genetically manipulated to mend faulty genes which are known to cause serious disease or disability, once research has shown it is safe to do so.