DNA editing: Just around the bend

DNA Section  (Image by Zephyris)

Does part of your double helix spell double trouble?  If so, the offending DNA piece can be snipped away with a “molecular scissors” known as CRISPR-Cas9. 

Snippy trials have already been planned for folks with “diseases caused by a single gene mutation, such as sickle cell disease.”  Such experiments have been approved because they allegedly “affect only the patient.”  This may not seem so risky, unless of course, you’re that patient.

The proposed “gene editing of human reproductive cells” is even riskier, since offspring would then also be affected.  Nevertheless, research along these lines “is plowing ahead.”

Will the genetically-altered fruit from such karmic seeds be rotten to the core?  Ready or not, we may soon find out.

Resources

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/02/14/scientists-soften-on-dna-editing-human-eggs-sperm-embryos-report.html 

Copyright February 16, 2017 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved