fresh bytes
Subscribe Now

UK scientists get permission to ‘gene edit’ human embryos

stock-photo-science-molecule-dna-model-structure-business-teamwork-concept-250913644.jpg

A team of British scientists has been approved to use “gene editing” techniques on human embryos, in the hope that it will better our understanding of early human life. A group at the Francis Crick Institute in London wants to research newly fertilised eggs and how they develop in the first seven days — from a single cell to a blastocyst with roughly 250 cells. Using gene manipulation, the researchers want to glean new insights about our DNA and the exact requirements for a healthy embryo. With this information, specialists could find ways to improve post-IVF embryo development techniques and clinical treatments for infertility.

The UK’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has approved the team’s research application, however a form of “ethical approval” is still needed before they can begin testing . Provided they get the go-ahead, the group — led by Dr Kathy Niakan — will use embryos donated by patients that are considered surplus to their IVF treatment. As the BBC notes, it will be illegal for the scientists to implant any of the modified embryos in women — they’re purely for research, basically.
via Engadget

Continue reading

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Mar 28, 2024
The difference between Olympic glory and missing out on the podium is often measured in mere fractions of a second, highlighting the pivotal role of timing in sports. But what's the chronometric secret to those photo finishes and record-breaking feats? In this comprehens...
Mar 26, 2024
Learn how GPU acceleration impacts digital chip design implementation, expanding beyond chip simulation to fulfill compute demands of the RTL-to-GDSII process.The post Can GPUs Accelerate Digital Design Implementation? appeared first on Chip Design....
Mar 21, 2024
The awesome thing about these machines is that you are limited only by your imagination, and I've got a GREAT imagination....

featured video

We are Altera. We are for the innovators.

Sponsored by Intel

Today we embark on an exciting journey as we transition to Altera, an Intel Company. In a world of endless opportunities and challenges, we are here to provide the flexibility needed by our ecosystem of customers and partners to pioneer and accelerate innovation. As we leap into the future, we are committed to providing easy-to-design and deploy leadership programmable solutions to innovators to unlock extraordinary possibilities for everyone on the planet.

To learn more about Altera visit: http://intel.com/altera

featured chalk talk

Connectivity Solutions for Smart Trailers
Smart trailers can now be equipped with a wide variety of interconnection systems including wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, and high-speed data solutions. In this episode of Chalk Talk, Amelia Dalton and Blaine Dudley from TE Connectivity explore the evolution of smart trailer technology, the different applications within a trailer where connectivity would be valuable, and how TE Connectivity is encouraging innovation in the world of smart trailer technology.
Oct 6, 2023
22,615 views