Articles on embryo editing

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The team used CRISPR on human embryos in a bid to render them resistant to HIV infection. But instead, they generated different mutations, about which we know nothing. SHUTTERSTOCK

China’s failed gene‑edited baby experiment proves we’re not ready for human embryo modification

Dimitri Perrin, Queensland University of Technology and Gaetan Burgio, Australian National University

A number of things may have gone wrong when researchers edited Chinese twins Lulu and Nana’s genome. Either way, the failed experiment is a cautionary tale for us all.
Scientists discovered some bacteria can cut the DNA of invading viruses as a defence mechanism. They realised they could use this to cut human DNA.

What is CRISPR gene editing, and how does it work?

Merlin Crossley AM, UNSW

CRISPR harnesses the natural defence mechanisms of some bacteria to cut human DNA strands. Then the DNA strand either heals itself or we inject new DNA to mend the gap. This is gene editing.

Related Topics

  1. CRISPR
  2. CRISPR/Cas9
  3. Editing human embryos
  4. Gene editing
  5. Gene mutation
  6. Global perspectives
  7. HIV
  8. Morality
  9. Race
  10. Skin colour

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