US Scientists Just Edited a Human Embryo for the First Time. (Yes, People Are Freaking Out.)

[blue-wave]

Source: Mother Jones

For the first known time in the United States, scientists used a gene-editing technique called CRISPR to modify early-stage human embryos, according to a report published Wednesday in MIT Technology Review.

Since the development several years ago of CRISPR, a tool that allows scientists to change sequences of DNA within a cell, scientists have speculated about its potential to free families of genetic disease or stop the spread of other diseases like malaria, among other possibilities. But the technology also raises major ethical questions.

Here’s a quick rundown of the latest breakthrough—and how it could change the way we think about human reproduction and, well, humans themselves.


Read more: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/07/scientists-just-edited-a-human-embryo-for-the-first-time-yes-people-are-freaking-out/

[flibbitygiblets]

1. Any chance we can edit out stupidity, grandiosity, narcissm and tweet-raging genes?

Asking for a friend.

[christx30]

2. Can we add anxiety to that list? Asking for a... friend.

If we can't, it's cool. Sorry I brought it up. Thank you.

[defacto7]

3. My friends are always asking me to ask things.

I have lots of inquisitive friends it seems.

[cstanleytech]

4. To sum up many peoples reactions I shall borrow from

Ghostbusters.

Dr. Peter Venkman: This city is headed for a disaster of biblical proportions.
Mayor: What do you mean, "biblical"?
Dr. Raymond Stantz: What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath of God type stuff.
Dr. Peter Venkman: Exactly.
Dr. Raymond Stantz: Fire and brimstone coming down from the skies! Rivers and seas boiling!
Dr. Egon Spengler: Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes...
Winston Zeddemore: The dead rising from the grave!
Dr. Peter Venkman: Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

[LittleGirl]

5. I think it's cool

I have a friend that won't have children because of the gene defect that made her brother's life in a wheelchair miserable. I can see someone like her trying it. In the future of course. This is just in its infancy so it will happen long after I'm gone. And good for humans. Yeah.

[Moostache]

6. We will need the design beings to defend us from AI machines....start making the prototypes NOW!!

I am only half-kidding...

[Crowman2009]

7. It's a lot better than throwing those embryos in the trash.

Which happens the majority of the time. Plus, let's not forget that Romney made money from a company that disposes unused embryos.