Monday, February 1, 2016

UK approves gene editing of human embryos for in vitro research purposes. (NOT for implantation/procreation).

The HFEA has approved an application from UK reserachers to perform specific gene editing experiments in human embryos for research purposes.  The embryos will not be cultured beyond the blastocyst stage (a small ball of ~250 cells).  The purpose of this research is to examine the development of cells that form the placenta and other tissues that support embryo growth.  This sort of research may lead to better understanding of why some miscarriages occur.

Reports from various news outlets:

BBC News

The Guardian

Washington Post


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