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In Breakthrough, Scientists Edit a Dangerous Mutation From Genes in Human Embryos (npr.org)

Posted by msmash on from the breakthrough dept.

Scientists for the first time have successfully edited genes in human embryos to repair a common and serious disease-causing mutation, producing apparently healthy embryos, according to a study published on Wednesday. From a report: Now, an international team of scientists reports they have, for the first time, figured out a way to successfully edit the DNA in human embryos -- without introducing the harmful mutations that were a problem in previous attempts elsewhere. "It's a pretty exciting piece of science," says George Daley, dean of the Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the research. "It's a technical tour-de-force. It's really remarkable." The research is ultimately aimed at helping families plagued by genetic diseases. The new experiment used a powerful new gene-editing technique to correct a genetic defect behind a heart disorder that can cause seemingly healthy young people to suddenly die from heart failure. The experiment corrected the defect in nearly two-thirds of several dozen embryos, without causing potentially dangerous mutations elsewhere in the DNA. None of the embryos were used to try to create a baby. But if future experiments confirm the techniques are safe and effective, the scientists say the same approach could be used to prevent a long list of inheritable diseases.

7 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by Ann+O'Nymous-Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    So sick of all the alarmist bullshit. Gene editing is GOING to happen. It's another medical technology. Get over it.

    1. Re:blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      True, but it's let's do it right -- reasonable precautions and meticulous peer and external review.

    2. Re:blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by Ann+O'Nymous-Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Yeah? If you really believe that, why are you typing on Slashdot? Why aren't you squatting in a cave somewhere in a pile of your own crap?

    3. Re:blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by nine-times · · Score: 5, Insightful

      For every problem technology "solves", it creates 10 new ones.

      If this statement was supposed to mean "technology makes things 10 times worse," then you're right to call BS. However, it's true that while new technology solves problems, it also creates new ones.

      For example, the smart phone has changes the way we live, solving many problems. It's easy to get ahold of people. It's easier to do business on the go. With GPS and maps, it's almost impossible to get lost unless you can't get a signal. We have immediate access to all kinds of media, almost anywhere in the world.

      However, there are also loads of associated problems. Everything from the need to keep your battery charged to the adverse effects of social change from ever-present social networking apps, they're "problems". It doesn't mean the new problems outweigh the old ones that technology solves, but at the same time, you'd have to be blind to think that new technology is simply an absolute good thing.

      And once you recognize that there can be drawbacks to technological advancement, you have to acknowledge the possibility of a technology where the problems it creates outweigh the benefits. A lot of people might argue, for example, that the world would be a better place if we hadn't invented nuclear weapons.

      Still, even if we concede that we'd be better if some technology weren't invented, we aren't able to un-invent it. We have to figure out if there's a way to regulate it to prevent the negative uses and unintended consequences don't get out of control.

    4. Re:blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by avandesande · · Score: 1, Insightful

      However, it's true that while new technology solves problems, it also creates new ones.

      So what? We will deal with the problems when the happen like we always do.

      --
      love is just extroverted narcissism
    5. Re:blah blah GATTACA blah FRANKENSTEIN blah by penandpaper · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I understand the sentiment but when you apply your statement to the current context: "Just because we can eliminate genetic diseases don't mean we should." That is a horrible thing to say. If we can eliminate genetic disease we should. Those people that are plagued by those diseases will be better off. The human condition will be that much better and tolerable as it is the entire purpose of technology.

      There are always going to be huge implications and no one will know how to deal with them until they show up. The best example I can think of are nuclear weapons. They changed the face of the planet in every conceivable manner. They were designed to kill indiscriminately as many humans as possible with little effort. Yet, the implication was that MADD created a relative lasting peace the world has never known before with humans. We are still trying to understand all the implications of nuclear weapons. Our struggle and problems are different. We have to perpetually maintain the peace MADD demands for every future generation that lives with nuclear weapons instead of living in wars that won't threaten our extinction.

      We have the luxury to question 'should a technology be developed' because others recognized that it should even when they didn't understand all the huge implications. Our lives are better because of it.

  2. Re:Down's Syndrome by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    no regrets

    Except your post was full of them.