Scientists Edit First Human Embryo: Evolution Or Manipulation?
A new era in the evolution of humans has been heralded. This is the era where DNA can be altered (That is, altering life’s source code).
The first ever modification of embryo was successfully done at Portland, Oregon Health and Science University. The research was led by Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov.
The road to advanced genetic engineering has been broadened further by this milestone accomplishment. Dr Shoukhrat has, in this research, proven that it is possible to correct defective genes, and thereby putting an end to inherited diseases.
The procedure began at fertilization, where some chemicals that caused gene-editing were injected into the newly fertilized egg/sperm. The chemicals were then used to synthesize the DNA structure. The gene editing was majorly at the baseline of “Clustered Regular Interspaced Short Palindrome Repeats” (CRISPR)
Believe me, this has gone way beyond Genetic engineering to advanced “Germline Engineering” because, the changes effected in the embryo will be inherited by subsequent generations through their own cells.
Now, would you call this Evolution or just another form of manipulation?
FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF GENE EDITING
- This could help to delete genetic diseases
- Could help to Improve biological functions
- Can create desired genetic features (Genetic Enhancement)
References for further reading: Ref 1, Ref 2
Thanks For Reading
Of course the price will be so high that only the richest will be able to afford to heal genetic diseases on their children.
This could be a great thing if it's utilized properly. #lovescience
I believe you. Also, imagine other uses of this research. In the military for instance, they can engineer human bio-weapons (Armies of genetically modified mutants)
Do you want X-men?! 'Cause this is how you get X-men!"
How did you read my mind? I've done a couple of studies and research on genetic trans-mutation. But I can tell you for free, Real life X-men are already living with us
So scary!
Many things are scary in this world. We just have to face them
It seems to me that it's both evolution and manipulation. We are at a new point in our history as human beings. Natural selection has completely taken a back seat to artificial selection, meaning that this is only the tip of the iceberg.
CRISPR is unbelievably frightening on the surface, but the unwavering optimist in me sees so much potential for good with the technology as well.
Whatever comes our way, it'll be gaining momentum here very quickly. I think human evolution is about to take a very dramatic step forward. Let's just hope it's a smart step.
I absolutely agree with you. Natural selection, as far as this era is concerned, only exists in paper. Even the evolution that was meant to be natural is now being compromised by artificial processes.
Really!!....it means we are advancing more in medical world.
Not only advancing, we're breaking new grounds. As it is always said "A perfectly advanced technology is almost indistinguishable from magic"
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