The UK made a groundbreaking scientific move this week by allowing researchers from the Francis Crick Institute in London to genetically modify human embryos.
In simple terms, this means that scientists will be able to alter the genes of embryos and experiment on how effective this technique is.
Here are the facts to know about the UK’s decision: First and foremost, Britain is the first ever to license the technique. While, according to Quartz reporter Aamna Mohdin, China has been experimenting with gene-editing for quite some time, Britain will be the first to have set protocols and officially license the technique.
The embryos will be destroyed after seven days. None of the genetically modified embryos are allowed to be implanted into any women. Scientists will be looking at the first seven days of the fertilized egg and then destroying them.
Mohdin states that, “Researchers hope the work will provide some insight on miscarriages and lead to better treatments for infertility.”
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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