Scientists call for moratorium on DNA editing that can be passed to future generations
Biologists are calling for a moratorium on a DNA editing technique which makes genetic changes that can be passed on to future generations.
In a paper published Thursday in the journal Science, the group of prominent biologists said safety and ethics need to be assessed before the technique is used in humans, the New York Times reports.
The technique, known as Crispr-Cas9, could be used to stop genetic disease, but it also could be used to boost beauty or intelligence, the story says. There is also a risk the technique would affect DNA sites apart from those that are targeted, causing unintended side effects.
The United States and Europe have strict regulations on such techniques. But they could be performed in “lax jurisdictions,” the Science article says. The scientists are calling for a voluntary moratorium.
