March 12, 2015

Don't Edit the Human Germ Line

Nature
Michael J. Werner

It is thought that studies involving the use of genome-editing tools to modify the DNA of human embryos will be published shortly.

There are grave concerns regarding the ethical and safety implications of this research. There is also fear of the negative impact it could have on important work involving the use of genome-editing techniques in somatic (non-reproductive) cells. In our view, genome editing in human embryos using current technologies could have unpredictable effects on future generations.

READ: Don't Edit the Human Germ Line

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