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.
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Articles on Research moratorium
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Scientists and ethicists have called for a five-year moratorium on editing human genes that will pass on to future generations. Yes, society needs to figure out how to proceed – but is this the best way?
CRISPR gene editing should learn from the Slow Food movement. Scientists must allow time for critical conversations and perfecting of techniques before rewriting the source code of humanity.
Four months ago a researcher claimed he had used the tool CRISPR to edit the genomes of twin girls. Now prominent researchers and ethicists are calling for a temporary halt to this sort of work.
Until more is understood, it’s sensible to limit experimentation that would make changes to germ line cells that would be passed on to future generations.
Top contributors
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Ph.D. Candidate in Chemical Biology, Harvard University
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Geneticist and Group Leader, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University
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Assistant Professor in Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore
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Associate professor, Queensland University of Technology
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Director of Research and Professor of Pathology, Dalhousie University
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Vanier Scholar and Ph.D. Candidate in Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University
