Genome editing: how to modify genetic faults – and the human germline

Is it time for a debate on whether there are any circumstances where there is an ethical case for 'editing' human embryos?

The biggest funders of scientific research in the UK have called for a renewed debate on the ethics of genetically modifying human embryos and other tissues, in an effort to prevent serious diseases. There has been rapid progress in developing a powerful tool called genome editing, which has the potential to transform the treatment of genetic conditions by rewriting the DNA code of affected cells. Scientists believe that a debate should be had about the ethics of modifying human embryos, before the science gets ahead of public opinion. Here's the background to the story.