A Time to Make Ethical Decisions

A couple checks into a clinic and looks up a menu of options: blue eyes, fair skin, excellent hand-eye coordination, good runner, team player. They are opting for the “sportsman” package with a few cosmetic perks for their future child. Having made their choices, they walk away. A few weeks later, their desirable embryo is implanted and nine months later, they welcome the child who they want to be the future captain of the Indian cricket team. Let us look elsewhere in the world: In a hidden laboratory, an evil scientist is creating a super-race with characteristics like immense muscular strength, obedience, quick healing – basically your standard “Wolverine” with the added feature of inherent loyalty. Is this the futuristic scenario that pops in your head when you hear the word ‘germline gene editing’? Some find the power to control our own genes fascinating; others find it repulsive but primarily many fear what this power could do to the human race. But as we worry about whether gene editing will be the bane of humanity, we turn a blind eye to gene editing – the savior of humanity. Read more

Chinese gene-edited baby row rekindles need for guidelines in India

The global scientific community has been outraged by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s claim of creating the world’s first genetically modified baby using the gene-editing technique CRISPR-Cas9. The scientist claims that baby Lulu – who differs from previous recipients of gene therapies like Layla Richards¹ – was born with a genetic modification and will pass it on to any child she may have in the future.On ethical and safety grounds, scientists worldwide have abstained till now² from genetically-modified embryo experiments. However, the Chinese case hints that some researchers may be secretly competing to outbid their peers in creating gene-editing based solutions. There have also been instances of biohackers crafting DIY CRISPR kits³, affording buyers with elements that could be used in home experiments.Read more