Here at Her Campus Aberdeen, we have many different interests, one of these being science. One of the biggest news stories in that area at the moment is that London-based researchers have been legally allowed to carry out gene editing experiments. This is big news in a lot of ways; firstly, it is the first time that scientists have been given legal permission to carry out this sort of research anywhere in the world, meaning the research is cutting edge. Although, according to the BBC, some research has already been done in this field by scientists in China, “this is the first time it has gone through a properly regulatory system and been approved”. This also means that the research will get proper coverage for us to stay up to date on what’s happening, as well as good funding and resources.
Whatever you personally think of gene editing, one certainly positive aspect is that this research is being led by a woman, Dr Kathy Niakan. This is especially positive since science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) fields have considerably fewer women, both studying for degrees, and working in those areas. This is a great chance to do some potentially life saving research, and it is great to see more women taking on roles in science.
Now, the reason this news is most important: what does this ability to edit genes actually mean? This is where the controversy arises as gene editing can be used for a number of things. The primary reason gene editing is being pursued from the medical and scientific perspective is that it allows for a chance to essentially rewrite someone’s genes, meaning that many diseases can be avoided by either adding, or taking away parts of the gene. Various types of diseases could be avoided if gene editing is perfected, such as the blood disease beta-thalassemia which the Chinese researchers were aiming to get rid of.
However, along with the ability to edit genes and get rid of illnesses, comes the other side of the coin: ‘designer babies’. Also known as genetically modified (or GM) babies, this would be the other potential if accurate gene editing is achieved. As genes control pretty much everything about us, this means that scientists would be able to change far more superficial aspects of an embryo, such as the colour of the hair and the eyes. This becomes very ethically controversial for many reasons. For instance, if ‘designer babies’ become a reality, they would only be available for those with the money to buy such services, creating real inequality – especially for poorer parents with family history of illnesses that could be cured through gene editing. Alongside this, there are issues of causing damage to the human gene pool, as well as potentially creating new issues and possibly diseases.
Either way, this is a very interesting development for science, with potentially historical outcomes for this project. However, the actual results and fallout of the study are anyone’s to predict.
What do you think about gene-editing? Is it ethical? Should it be allowed? Join the conversation over on our Twitter: @hcaberdeen