But the obvious ones are dire: Making genetic changes to eggs, sperm, or early embryos, collectively called the human germline, affects not only the eventual person these cells may become, but also their offspring. In fact, the only other attempt to edit human embryos with CRISPR did not work out as intended. The result of a slapdash and secretive germline editing project by disgraced Chinese geneticist He Jiankui resulted, reportedly, in the birth of twin girls last November. Baylis is not against CRISPR being used on embryos in the future, under very specific conditions. Baylis said the consensus should be very broad, including a range of perspectives from marginalized groups like people with disabilities.

Source: National Post July 09, 2019 01:41 UTC