Creating genetically-modified babies is both ethically justifiable and “highly desirable”, according to an Abertay University bioethicist. Writing in the journal Bioethics, Dr Smith said research in this area would offer hope to parents at risk of transmitting serious genetic disease to their future children.

Genetically altered embryos can be achieved by introducing the desired genetic material into the embryo itself, or into the sperm and/or egg cells of the parents; either by delivering the desired genes directly into the cell or using the gene-editing technology.

The concern is largely ethical. The reality is that biologists probably couldn’t produce designer babies even if they wanted to. It turns out that the genetics underlying desirable traits such as athleticism, intelligence and beauty are so complicated it may not ever be possible to make targeted changes.

Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism’s DNA using any number of methods. GMO is the genetic modification of organisms. Gene editing is now a more precise method of genetic engineering which hopes to avoid any bad associations with GMO.

The gene editing tool has been proposed as a way of removing the genetic diseases that abound in pure breed dogs. A great example are Dalmatians, which often carry a genetic mutation that makes them prone to suffer from bladder stones.

Older gene-editing tools use proteins instead of RNA to target damaged genes. But it can take months to design a single, customized protein at a cost of more than $1,000. With CRISPR, scientists can create a short RNA template in just a few days using free software and a DNA starter kit that costs $65 plus shipping.

Risks of gene editing include:

• Potential unintended, or “off-target,” effects.
• Increased likelihood of developing cancer.
• Possibility of being used in biological attacks.
• Unintended consequences for future generations.

A lab experiment aimed at fixing defective DNA in human embryos shows what can go wrong with this type of gene editing and why leading scientists say it’s too unsafe to try. In more than half of the cases, the editing caused unintended changes, such as loss of an entire chromosome or big chunks of it.

CRISPR genome editing may result in unwanted heritable genetic changes, which could lead to long-term risks in a clinical context. Three independent studies published on the preprint platform bioRxiv have reported unintended DNA changes adjacent to the target site when using CRISPR/Cas9 in human embryos.

Today, let’s break down the pros and cons of gene editing.

• The Pros of Gene Editing. Tackling and Defeating Diseases: Extend Lifespan. Growth In Food Production and Its Quality: Pest Resilient Crops:
• The Cons of Gene Editing. Ethical Dilemma. Safety Concerns. What About Diversity?
• In Conclusion.

Human germline engineering is a type of genetic modification that directly manipulates the genome using molecular engineering techniques. Aside from germline engineering, genetic modification can be applied in another way, somatic genetic modification.

Human Health Risks: The primary risk associated with CRISPR/Cas9 technology is the potential for off-target genome editing effects. CRISPR/Cas9 technology can induce site- specific DNA mutations in human DNA.

Fees

The list of diseases currently being combated by CRISPR has been growing everyday. The data from clinical trials released recently has demonstrated that CRISPR therapy has been successful in treating patients with sickle cell anemia as well as beta thalassemia.

Editing genes in human embryos could one day prevent some serious genetic disorders from being passed down from parents to their children — but, for now, the technique is too risky to be used in embryos destined for implantation, according to a high-profile international commission.

These morally good eugenic interventions include some uses of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. When we recognize some uses of gene editing as eugenics, we make the dangers of selecting or modifying human genetic material explicit.

Current advances in genome editing tools allow us not only to target monogenic diseases but also polygenic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. Genomic editing also provides a degree of precision not previously possible by other therapeutic approaches through its ability to target individual cell types.

ABSTRACT: There are many risks involved in genetic engineering. The release of genetically altered organisms in the environment can increase human suffering, decrease animal welfare, and lead to ecological disasters. Economic risks are acceptable, if they are condoned by the corporations and governments who take them.

The possible benefits of genetic engineering include: More nutritious food. Tastier food. Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer)

With its potential to eliminate and prevent hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia and its use as a possible cure for heart disease, AIDS, and cancer, gene therapy is a potential medical miracle-worker.

Gene therapies are extremely expensive to develop and manufacture, and there are significant costs associated with clinical trials and bringing the products to market. The main reason gene therapy is so expensive, however, may be the paradigm used in the price-setting strategy.

Almost 95% of the trials were in early phases of development and 72% were ongoing. The United States undertook 67% of gene therapy clinical trials. The majority of gene therapies clinical trials identified targeted cancer diseases.

Many genetic disorders result from gene changes that are present in essentially every cell in the body. As a result, these disorders often affect many body systems, and most cannot be cured. However, approaches may be available to treat or manage some of the associated signs and symptoms.

Gene therapy holds promise for treating a wide range of diseases, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia and AIDS.

Genetics, Disease Prevention and Treatment FAQ

1. Check regularly for the disease.
2. Follow a healthy diet.
3. Get regular exercise.
4. Avoid smoking tobacco and too much alcohol.
5. Get specific genetic testing that can help with diagnosis and treatment.

Genetic disorders can be caused by a mutation in one gene (monogenic disorder), by mutations in multiple genes (multifactorial inheritance disorder), by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors, or by damage to chromosomes (changes in the number or structure of entire chromosomes, the structures that …

Commit to Healthy Choices to Help Prevent Birth Defects

1. Plan ahead. Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Folic acid is a B vitamin.
2. Avoid harmful substances. Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy.
3. Choose a healthy lifestyle. Keep diabetes under control.
4. Talk with your healthcare provider. Talk to a healthcare provider about taking any medications.

What causes birth defects?

• Genetic problems. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that results in them not working properly, such as in Fragile X syndrome.
• Chromosomal problems.
• Infections.
• Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy.

Lean meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are good sources of protein. Other options include beans, tofu, dairy products, and peanut butter. Breads and grains: Mothers should choose grains that are high in fiber and enriched such as whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, and rice.