Gene edited babies – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

A computer illustration of a cross-section of a mitochondrion and its internal structure with DNA (gray), ribosomes (light green), granules (yellow) and ATP synthase particles (light blue). TUMEGGY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

October 22, 2020

Disputes over when life begins may block cutting-edge reproductive technologies like mitochondrial replacement therapies

Walter G. Johnson, Arizona State University and Diana Bowman, Arizona State University

The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett has implications for how assisted reproductive technologies, which can prevent the transmission of disease from parents to child, are regulated.

American biochemist Jennifer A. Doudna, left, and French microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier were awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for chemistry. Alexander Heinl/picture alliance via Getty Images

October 7, 2020

Nobel Prize for chemistry honors exquisitely precise gene-editing technique, CRISPR – a gene engineer explains how it works

Piyush K. Jain, University of Florida

The tools to rewrite the genetic code to improve crops and livestock, or to treat genetic diseases, has revolutionized biology. A CRISPR engineer explains why this technology won the Nobel, and its potential.

The team used CRISPR on human embryos in a bid to render them resistant to HIV infection. But instead, they generated different mutations, about which we know nothing. SHUTTERSTOCK

December 9, 2019

China’s failed gene-edited baby experiment proves we’re not ready for human embryo modification

Dimitri Perrin, Queensland University of Technology and Gaetan Burgio, Australian National University

A number of things may have gone wrong when researchers edited Chinese twins Lulu and Nana’s genome. Either way, the failed experiment is a cautionary tale for us all.

September 3, 2019

Genetic engineering and human-animal hybrids: how China is leading a global split in controversial research

David Lawrence, Newcastle University

A growing international divide over cutting-edge medical research could worsen predatory practices, medical tourism and health inequality.

Ethical frameworks, rules, laws: all try to have their say. Tati9/Shutterstock.com

August 15, 2019

What’s the right way for scientists to edit human genes? 5 essential reads

Maggie Villiger, The Conversation

CRISPR technology could have momentous effects if it’s used to edit genes that will be inherited by future generations. Researchers and ethicists continue to weigh appropriate guidelines.

Should parents be allowed to build their babies by design? Shutterstock/cjmacer

February 18, 2019

What we risk as humans if we allow gene-edited babies: a philosopher’s view

Janna Thompson, La Trobe University

Imagine a future society where parents can choose the characteristics of their children. Does that turn babies into consumer products., and what choice does the child get?

In a masterfully manipulative Youtube video, He Jiankui tells the world about the first genetically edited babies. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

December 7, 2018

YouTube, persuasion and genetically engineered children

George Estreich, Oregon State University

To announce the world’s first gene-edited babies, scientist He Jiankui did what movie directors do: release a trailer on YouTube. The video is a positive spin on unauthorized gene editing.

He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher, speaks during the Human Genome Editing Conference in Hong Kong, Nov. 28, 2018. He made his first public comments about his claim of making the world’s first gene-edited babies. AP Photo/Kin Cheung

November 29, 2018

How a scientist says he made a gene-edited baby – and what health worries may ensue

George Seidel, Colorado State University

Chinese researcher He Jiankui told a spellbound audience how he created gene-edited babies. With a couple of revealing slides, we can see what he did and speculate what health problems might ensue.

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