Scientists Silence Extra Chromosome In Down Syndrome Cells

An anonymous reader writes "Scientists have silenced the extra copy of a chromosome that causes Down syndrome in laboratory stem cells, offering the first evidence that it may be possible to correct the genes responsible for the disorder. The discovery provides the first evidence that the underlying genetic defect responsible for Down syndrome can be suppressed in cells in culture."

Comments

Re:The Ethical Implications are Staggering

[mjwx]

There is debate about this, and at least here in Europe, those with it are more and more living their own lives. The 17-year old daughter of a colleague has it - and she is not only learning the trade of a baker: she is preparing to live alone, in an apartment in the middle of the city. She already manages her own money and her own relationship with various administrative bodies. With her father's support, but still - this would have been unthinkable even ten years ago.

This is also happening in Australia.

They are teaching people with disabilities to live on their own, not just in halfway houses but on their own, managing most of their own affairs. Some are down to 1 hour a week with social workers, stuff the cant take care of on their own they know to save for that time.

A far cry from 40 years ago where kids with down syndrome were sterilised.