Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have replaced bits of defective DNA in a human egg with the equivalent DNA from a healthy egg, a technique that could prevent women from passing on several rare and potentially deadly disorders to their children. The promising technique is also touching off concerns among some, but not all, bioethicists, who claim that the procedure crosses an imaginary “red line” about changing human DNA.
Additional Resources:
- OHSU researchers test new gene therapy method in human cells, and it works, Oregon Health & Science University
- Geneticists breach ethical taboo by changing genes across generations, NPR
- Mutated mitochondrial DNA can be replaced with healthy copies in human cells, RedOrbit
View the original article here: Designer Baby? Breakthrough gene therapy that could eliminate rare diseases, raises ethical concerns
