Sunday, April 16, 2017

Gene Editing on Human Embryos





CRISPER the new gene editing is tweaking the genomes of human embryos to eliminate genes that cause disease. It is also the most controversial.
A new gene editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9 has been approved to modify human embryo genes by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority in the United Kingdom. This has been done earlier to assist unfertile couples in having a chance at fertility. The embryos have been provided by these couple achieving to carry fertile fetuses through in vitro fertilization with the exception that these embryos will not be allowed to develop past seven days of development.  The theory behind this thought is that CRISPER in the future might be used to eliminate disease causing genes in the embryo rather than in a developed baby by removing the error causing DNA strip from the genetic code. The theory for CRISPER includes the decrease and or elimination of many serious genetic diseases to reduce human suffering. The counter argument to this new theory has opponents saying that modifying human embryos is dangerous and unnatural, and does not take into account the consent of future generations; That embryo modification is unnatural, or amounts to playing God. Diseases are natural, and humans by the millions fall ill and die prematurely—all perfectly naturally. 


2 comments:

  1. This is indeed a great discovery in the field of science. Knowing a way to prevent the occurrence of genetic diseases by gene editing seems like a good idea but ethical issues must also be taken into consideration. Moreover, the decision to undergo such technique lies on the parents' hands.

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  2. The potential for CRISPR is astounding, though I think people should tread with caution. It's shallow water we're treading, and the future could be difficult if we move past life-saving or fertility altercations, and unnecessary ones.

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