In 2015 some scientists in China performed a series of experiments involving 86 human embryos to see if they could make changes in a gene known as HBB, which causes the sometimes fatal blood disorder beta-thalassemia. Their work has been widely condemned by other scientists and watchdog groups, who argue the research is unsafe, premature Read more
An expert panel has been set up by Royal Society Te Apārangito consider the implications of new technologies that allow much more controlled and precise ‘editing’ of genes. It has concluded it’s time for an overhaul of the regulations and that there’s an urgent need for wide discussion and debate about gene editing within and Read more
One of the world’s leading geneticists says it will only be a matter of time before the genes of human embryos are ‘edited’ to enhance their health and intelligence – and it is something we should embrace rather than fear. George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, said the current controversy surrounding the editing Read more