A Chinese scientist’s claim to have created the first genetically edited babies has evoked widespread condemnation from the scientific community. “This is far too premature,” one American genetic scientist told the Associated Press.
But here is a larger question: Should we be doing this at all?
The Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, used a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR to alter the DNA of two children in a petri dish and attempt to make them resistant to HIV. This is not what has American scientists up at arms. In fact, researchers in the United States have done the same thing. In 2017, scientists at Oregon Health & Science University used CRISPR to genetically alter human embryos to make them resistant to an unidentified disease. The difference is that He then implanted his edited embryos. The American researchers killed theirs.
The prospect of genetically eliminating crippling diseases is certainly appealing, but this promise masks a darker reality. First, there is a difference between genetic engineering and the extremely promising field of gene therapy, in which doctors use CRISPR technology to repair the DNA of defective nonreproductive cells — allowing them to treat cancer, genetic disorders and other diseases. In gene therapy, the genetic changes affect only the patient. In genetic engineering, scientists alter the entire genetic structure of the resulting human being — changes that are then passed on to future generations.
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Yes we all need to be doing this.
ReplyDeleteNo one wants kids born with Downs syndrome, crack addiction, Retarded, Spinabifita, mongoloid, and extra limbs or missing limbs.
Or their kid to turn out like certain un-named but very local mayors!
DeleteIn all seriousness: JDay is stealing your community blind.
It's not nice to fool Mother Nature!
ReplyDeleteit's not about children being born with diseases, it's about making humans faster stronger superior to others. For asian cultures there is no moral objection to this. All is fair and it just means they are willing to do things we aren't thus making them smarter and the rest of the world dummies! that's their view on it and the chinese will continue to pursue this objective! same for battlefield robots!
ReplyDeleteYou aren't that smart, are you?
ReplyDeleteI'll bet the only thing you know about science is what you see on the Discovery Channel.
Ever hear of the Law of Unintended Consequences?
Twenty years ago, we thought there were huge swaths of the DNA structure that were "junk" DNA, with no purpose (that we could find).
Now, we know better.
But we are far from knowing it all about the most complicated molecular structure ever known.
People like you are scary.
Keep foolin with mom nature.....just like the tv shows..
ReplyDeleteSometimes leavin things hell enough alone is the best measure.
it's not a question of being smart or not. It's all about control and who wins out. the russians the americans or the chinese. Again if they are willing to push the boundaries and we don't then we are at risk. of course there are always unintended consequences. But hey isn't that how some of the great discoveries have come about? Of course if you believe in God, then it's all a moot point!
ReplyDeleteJust as with virtually all scientific advances, this one will be weaponized by governments. There will also be a huge black market, which will call for more government interaction. Then there's the social aspect, i.e., gene-manipulated vs. non gene-manipulated.
ReplyDeleteThis is a bigger can of worms than most everyone even dreams of.
This is a modern day miracle, and I am all for it.... Stronger, smarter, disease resistant humans!
ReplyDeleteAll potential parents only wish for a healthy child... now we can ensure that?!
What an amazing time to be alive! Why in the world would we not be doing this?
December 3, 2018 at 10:07 AM:
ReplyDeleteWhy in the world would we not be doing this?
Why shouldn't "we" allow it? Because "we" will become obsolete and eliminated by the elites that are the only ones in the world that can afford it. Are you in favor of a superhuman race, a superhuman army, that controls the world, and who controls who gets gene edited, and who doesn't? Are you saying society will be better off if you and your family's "defective" genes are all killed off? You are advocating your own demise. You, a simple peon in the world order, will never have access to gene editing.