British Scientists Given Permission to Conduct Controversial Gene Editing on Human Embryos

First Posted: Feb 02, 2016 07:52 AM EST

British scientists have been given the okay to use a controversial gene editing technique. They've been given permission to edit the genes of human embryos for research, which some say will one day lead to "designer babies."

The technique involves customizing RNA molecules to guide an enzyme, named Cas9 to the correct spot on a DNA strand. The enzyme then precisely cuts the DNA like scissors, and either the cell repairs itself or a new piece of DNA can then be inserted. This, in particular, could be huge when it comes to treating diseases or other genetic defects before a child is born.

However, many people believe that this could also lead to children who are designed rather than just born. In theory, it would be possible to change a child's eyes, hair color, and create the "perfect" child.

With that said, people may be too quick to cry wolf when it comes to creating designer babies. It will still be illegal for scientists to implant modified embryos into a woman. This means that no babies can ultimately be born.

In addition, the scientists are using the technique to actually study miscarriages and infertility.

"We would really like to understand the genes needed for a human embryo to develop successfully into a healthy baby," said Kathy Niakan, the leader of the new research, in an interview with BBC News. "The reason why it is so important is because miscarriages and infertility are extremely common, but they're not very well understood."

The researchers will be working with blastocysts, which are cell structures that occur the first seven days after fertilization, and consist of about 200 to 300 cells. The donated embryos themselves will be destroyed after seven days, as well.

First Ever 'Test Tube' Puppies Born with In Vitro Fertilization

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).

See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone

TagsFertility, Infertility, Fertilization, Designer Babies, Genetics, Gene Editing, DNA, Embryo