Genetically modified human embryo stirs criticism

[cynatnite]

NEW YORK - News that scientists have for the first time genetically altered a human embryo is drawing fire from some watchdog groups that say it's a step toward creating "designer babies."

But an author of the study says the work was focused on stem cells. He notes that the researchers used an abnormal embryo that could never have developed into a baby anyway.

"None of us wants to make designer babies," said Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

The idea of designer babies is that someday, scientists may insert particular genes into embryos to produce babies with desired traits like intelligence or athletic ability. Some people find that notion repugnant, saying it turns children into designed objects, and would create an unequal society where some people are genetically enriched while others would be considered inferior.

The study appears to be the first report of genetically modifying a human embryo. It was presented last fall at a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, but didn't draw widespread public attention then. The result was reported over the weekend by The Sunday Times of London, which said British authorities highlighted the work in a recent report.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080512/ap_on_sc/modified_embryo

[Ian David]

1. When do we get women with green skin?

[wuushew]

2. I don't think the perceived traits would accumulate faster than the rate at which people fornicate

plus people alive TODAY are already widely differentiated by mental and physical characteristics. What is important is that all people have equal protection under the legal system.

[Bigmack]

3. I want a human/chimp cross....

The engine compartment in my boat is too damned cramped for me to work in. The boat was made in Taiwan, and I think they must have used a chimp... or something... to make some of the hose connections.

If you could breed a really strong hybrid, with looooong arms and the ability to "righty tighty-lefty loosey" you could make a bundle!

[RB TexLa]

4. What is it people find "repugnant" about this? If we could determine what gene

causes humans to be susceptible to cancer, people would find it repugnant to remove it from an embryo's DNA?

[Phoonzang]

5. Yeah "designing" a baby to not have some horrible disease

would be just awful.... :sarcasm:

[NashVegas]

6. It's Time For a Constitutional Amendment on Patented Life Forms

The Unibomber was absolutely correct about one thing: we go from using technology as a cool nifty bonus, to a necessity over time. By allowing anyone a patented stake in life forms, we increase the rush in this particular department, as too many people will look to profit.

Nature provides and selects the mutations it needs and wants, mankind will only fuck up the gene pool with conscious selection.