By: Kristin Houser
June 03, 2019
Avoiding Brightburn
Chinese researchers have found a way to nearly triple the efficiency of a tool designed to edit genes in human embryos. Their method should be ready for clinical use soon, with gene-edited babies available in another year or two, Yang Hui, the lead researcher behind the project, told the South China Morning Post.
But even she is concerned that her team’s technological breakthrough could have dire consequences.
“The technology is similar to weapons and drugs,” Yang told SCMP. “Immoral use, such as the creation of a super-baby, should be banned forever.”