The era of human gene-editing may have begun. Why that is worrying
A Chinese scientist claims to have edited the genomes of twin baby girls
HUMANITY’S POWER to control the four-letter code of life has advanced by leaps and bounds. A new gene-editing technology called CRISPR-Cas9, which was not discovered until 2012, has been the subject of particular excitement. It allows DNA to be edited easily, raising hopes that it could eventually be used to relieve human suffering. This week, however, CRISPR has caused more unease than optimism, because of claims by a Chinese scientist that he edited the genomes of twin girls when they were embryos, as part of IVF treatment.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “The baby crisperer”
From the December 1st 2018 edition
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