Future of human gene editing to be decided at landmark summit
by Ian Sample Science editor from on (#VZZ4)
Now that the ability to selectively insert or remove genes from DNA is widespread, a 'global discussion' is being convened to agree fresh safeguards
The question could hardly be more profound. Having stumbled upon a simple means to make precise changes to the code of life, should humans take control of their genetic fate, and rewrite the DNA of future generations?
Once an idea explored only in fiction, the prospect is now a real one. The inexorable rise of gene editing has put the technology in labs across the globe. The first experiments on human embryos have been done, in a bid to correct faulty genes that cause disease.
