Human Embryo Genetically Altered for First Time
Posted on: Tuesday, 13 May 2008, 07:15 CDT
U.S. researchers have created the world’s first genetically modified human embryo.
But reports of the first genetically altered human embryo is sparking controversy over the possibility of creating “designer babies,” while scientists close to the recent study deny that notion.
"None of us wants to make designer babies," said Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
He noted that the researchers used an abnormal embryo that could never have developed into a baby anyway.
Rosenwaks and colleagues said the work was done with an embryo that had extra chromosomes. They inserted a gene that acts as a marker that can be easily followed over time. The embryo cells took up the gene, he said.
Although the study’s unprecedented findings were released during a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine last fall, the issue has just recently gained attention after becoming the subject of a legislative debate in the U.K.
“Designer babies” is a term used to refer to the idea that scientists could someday be able to manipulate certain genes of embryos, thus producing babies with specific traits.
“A small group of researchers decided on its own to overstep a key ethical boundary that has been observed around the world, with no discussion by the public, the media, or policy makers,” said Center for Genetics and Society Associate Director Marcy Darnovsky.
“These scientists have not provided a convincing scientific justification for this experiment, yet they are developing techniques that could push us toward a GATTACA-like world without public debate.”
A London-based group called Human Genetics Alert also criticized the work.
Kathy Hudson, director of the Genetics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., said she finds no harm with the study’s findings.
"We're not even close to having that technology in hand to be able to do it right," she said, “and it would be ethically unacceptable to try it when it's unsafe.”
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On the Net:
American Society For Reproductive Medicine
http://www.asrm.org/
Center for Genetics and Society
http://www.geneticsandsociety.org
Human Genetics Alert
http://www.hgalert.org
Genetics and Public Policy Center
http://www.dnapolicy.org
Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports
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