Meeting of American, Chinese, and British Scientists on Human Gene Editing

Genetic scientists from the United States, China, and Britain are gathering to discuss human gene editing. Gene editing could herald treatments for diseases and also serve as a method for the birth of genetically modified babies. Genetically modified babies are created from manipulated embryonic genes. Ethical discussions and concerns about passing on altered genes to future generations are two topics of concern. According to Reuters, the meeting will take place on December 1st of this year at the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, featuring scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of Britain to discuss the effects and implications of human gene editing. The technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 (an enzyme known as genetic scissors) allows scientists to identify and correct defective genes. This technology has given scientists and pharmaceutical companies hope to rewrite defective genes; however, there are concerns that this science could be used to produce genetically modified embryos and manipulate children's genes according to parental desires. Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society of Britain, states that human gene editing could promise health and wellness for humans but also raises ethical and social concerns. The President of the Royal Society says, 'This is a vital issue, and we are aware of the global discussions surrounding it, as well as its risks and benefits, and the upcoming conference will be a platform to examine these issues.' In addition to the December conference in Washington, a committee will publish a report next year as a guide for the responsible use of human gene editing. Since researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in China published their findings on gene editing in April of this year, China has become a key player in discussions related to genetic engineering. Gene editing can leave unknown effects on human generations. Affecting eggs, sperm, and embryos differs from altering other non-reproductive body cells. China is one of the leading countries in genetic sciences, especially in gene editing. Recently, pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and AstraZeneca have invested in new technologies in China.