Scientific advances happen very quickly and with its progress doubts also arise about how we should use these new technologies and products. Many of these issues are against ethical values of our society and for that reason it is necessary to discuss how to use this new knowledge. Advances in physics and engineering generate discussions about their applications in building weapons.
Some scientific advances eventually affects the environment. Recently, we have seen many ethical discussions about advances in biology and their consequences for our society. In 2015, Chinese researchers have shown that it is possible to edit genes in human embryos using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
For that, they used nonviable embryos from an in vitro fertilization clinic. The team managed to correct a mutation of the gene that causes a blood disease called thalassemia. However, the researchers reported that several unexpected changes occurred throughout the genome.
With the possibility of using CRISPR/Cas9, among other genes editing tools, ethical issues also emerge, particularly regarding the modification of the human genome. Recently, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reported that they would continue to fund research studies involving gene editing, if this technique is not used in human embryos. In December 2015, an international meeting was held to discuss the use of tools for genomic editing.
After three days of debates the Organizing Committee reached a consensus: basic and proclinical research should continue as long as approved by committees; embryos or human germ cells that have been edited should not be used to establish pregnancy; among other conclusions . But what is the problem in editing the genome of human cells? We may modify adult cells to correct the mutations that cause certain diseases, and in the future we can use these cells to create new treatments for these patients.
But before that happens we need to better understand its risks and real benefits. The ethical problem of editing is related to the type of cell to be modified. Germ cells and embryos can be edited to correct a mutation, as result, we would have an organism with this change present in all their cells, including their sperm, if a man, or oocytes, if a woman.
This means that they would also pass these changes to their offspring. If we think only about the changes that correct serious diseases, probably all society would agree to its use. However, this same technique could also be used to modify physical characteristics and enhance human capabilities, the so-called designer babies.
And that's where doubts arise. How much should we interfere? Who determines which genes may or may not be modified?
What advantages or disadvantages such modifications will give these individuals and how it it affects the whole society? Therefore it is important to discuss the consequences of using these technologies, which unfortunately can also become villains unless we have some well-established limits. Further research is important because we still know little about how these tools work, about on their safety and what their real potential is.
We can not just halt the use of these technologies for we would be abandoning one tool that could help many people facing the most diverse diseases, and the opportunity to understand better how the human development occurs. Therefore, the international community should establish standards for acceptable uses of editing of human germ line, in order to discourage unacceptable activities, but promoting health and human welfare. If you liked this video, give a thumbs up and share it with your friends.
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