First successful CRISPR modification of human DNA

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by Write4U, Aug 3, 2017.

  1. Write4U Valued Senior Member

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    WOWWW!

    Just saw a news item on PBS. Apparently scientist have succeeded in replacing a defective gene in a human embryo with a CRISPR substitute. In this case it was a repair of a genetic heart defect.

    According to the spokes-person, there are limits to such procedures and this was just one successful laboratory experiment. She explained that the main problem is in finding the exact location and correct repair of the defective gene.

    She further explained that a clinical trial would involve a host of incidental problems and it would have to be a long term trial as implanting an embryo would add the health of the surrogate mother into the equation and if brought to term, the subject would have to be studied during its lifetime, for any possible unexpected side effects.

    While there are some moral concerns about genetic engineering, the spokesperson said the research was focused on repairing genetic defects and if this then could be passed on to offspring, effectively doing away with pre-existing conditions, which might have a beneficial impact on health insurance and future medical treatment of offspring, if the repaired gene was passed on.

    She ruled out the addition of extra DNA for specific extra abilities, as that would almost certainly affect other DNA codings, and produce unexpected interactions with other parts of the DNA.

    Nevertheless, this was the first time that this repair of a single code had been successfully performed. But she qualified that clinical testing was still a long time off, before they would even try to take the next step.

    All the same, it is a remarkable scientific development.
     
    Last edited: Aug 3, 2017
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  3. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

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    So I can't get then to insert the DNA of birds which allows them to fly into my future kids?

    Do I complain to human rights or discrimination courts?

    Or do I create Humans For Freedom of DNA and lobby government?

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  5. Write4U Valued Senior Member

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    Ha, but how would they be able to use their opposing thumb to write. Well they might be able pluck a feather by mouth and use it as a quill pen.
    I think sprouting extra wings would be a tad presumptuous.........

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    The mile high club would take on a whole new meaning.
     
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  7. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

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    Wasn't thinking of getting rid of arms plus the rest

    Just adding wings a la angel

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  8. Write4U Valued Senior Member

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    IN GOOD REPAIR CRISPR/Cas9 has corrected a gene defect in fertilized human eggs (left) without hampering embryo development. Eight-cell embryos (middle) and blastocyst-stage embryos — about five days old — (right) carrying the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editor appear normal.
     
  9. Write4U Valued Senior Member

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    That's why I said it might be a little presumptuous.....
     
  10. DaveC426913 Valued Senior Member

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    Birds will fly into your future kids whether they are gengineered or not. Your kids should learn to duck.
     
  11. Michael 345 New year. PRESENT is 72 years oldl Valued Senior Member

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    I guess I should use punctuation

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  12. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

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    Looks like we are charging right ahead... I believe the movie Gattaca did a good job showing what happens when some are able to afford genetic "perfection" and the rest are left to deal with what life gives them, and the effect that has on society.
     
  13. Write4U Valued Senior Member

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    Yes, there is always that pesky "exponential function".

    As Gore said Mother Nature is already warning us about this inevitable mathematical certainty.
     

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