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UK Researcher Applies For Permission To Edit Embryo Genomes
sciencehabit writes with the news that developmental biologist Kathy Niakan, of the Francis Crick Institute in London, has applied for permission from the UK's Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority to edit the genes of human embryos.
Niakan, says the article, "investigates the genes that are active at the earliest stages of human development, before it implants in the womb. Work with embryonic stem cells from mice and humans has suggested that some of the key genes active in this preimplantation period are different in humans and in mice. Niakan hopes to use genome editing to tweak some of the key genes thought to be involved and study the effects they have on human development."
If approved, Niakan's work would only involve embryos in a lab, not implanted for gestation.
Republicans don't have as much sway in the UK as you seem to think.
it's not "progress" altogether they hate, it's the science close to the "sacred nature" of humans.
they very well understand the word "genome" when talking about GMO...
Well, because the latter may result in the world's first genetically modified human baby. If you don't understand why that's a big deal, go take a look at all the fuss they make about GM food and then imagine it amplified by an order of magnitude.
If I'd meant you to tinker I'd have released you under the BSD license.
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Yours,
God.
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
Human embryos are not magic. You can learn a lot from fiddling with them that can then be applied to improve the lives of people.
It's more that they want to uphold the monopoly on human genome manipulation that their imaginary buddy has.
Yes, that's wrong on many levels.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.