Controversial Human Embryo Editing: 5 Things to Know

[anunitu]

Scientists in Sweden have become the first to edit the genetic material in healthy human embryos, but what exactly are these researchers editing and why is the research so controversial?

Story here.

I wonder how people feel at this event. Editing human embryo's. Is science going to far,or is this the future of human reproduction?

Your feelings and opinions.

[thalassa]

Re: Controversial Human Embryo Editing: 5 Things to Know

I think, in terms of this experiment, the "fears" listed are non-applicable.

My overall feelings on the subject tend to vary...I can easily see a GATTACA sort of society develop if we are not careful (and maybe even if we are). I tend to think other scenarios--gmo soldiers raised in vats somewhere, etc. to be more unlikely. But I can also see the benefit in terms of health, public health, even genetic diversity (unless this is used to make cosmetic changes).

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Controversial Human Embryo Editing: 5 Things to Know

Unfornutately, there is absolutely no doubt what-so-ever that the wealthy are the ones who will benefit, and that the poor are the ones who will pay for it.

Until we (as a society):

Provide the same quality lawyers to the rich and the poor
Provide the same level of medical care to the rich and the poor
Provide the same type of education to the rich and the poor
Etc., etc., etc...

...we should not even bother telling ourselves the fairy tale that such technology will not be used to benefit those who have the cuuter to pay for it.

Instead, we should work for true equality. Until that exists, GATTACA will be the future.

The seeds of the future are in the past, and they sprout in the present.

[Hawkfeathers]

Re: Controversial Human Embryo Editing: 5 Things to Know

This part bothers me: "Additionally, the group said it would be "irresponsible" to conduct editing on the human germ line (meaning, changes that could be passed down to future generations) until there is more work and discussion of safety and ethical issues." - I take that to mean they plan to use it for such at some point. We've already altered the human genome with DES and probably other things, none of them good.

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Controversial Human Embryo Editing: 5 Things to Know

Oh...

P.S. Thalassa is right - gmo vat soldiers are unlikely. Too expensive to produce on a large scale when reg'lar humans produce, finance, and mentally condition cannon fodder for gooberment/corporate purposes on their own.