Scientists have successfully edited a dangerous gene mutation in an embryo; What’s coming next? The ability to fix or splice genetic information in an embryo to effect the development of a cell was going to happen eventually, and recently, the NY Times reported on the success of scientists who did just that. Just imagine, you have a genetic trait that can make you ill early or later in life, and you are able to evaluate the gene and replace it early on in the development of your child, changing their health destiny. Imagine you have the Braca gene and we can now repair it to eliminate the risk of breast cancer later in life. This is powerful because of the possibilities, however, there can be a dark side to genetics we do not yet understand. Check out this recent NY Times article In Breakthrough, Scientists Edit a Dangerous Mutation From Genes in Human Embryos By PAM BELLUCK AUG. 2, 2017 Scientists for the first time have successfully edited genes in human embryos to repair a common and serious disease-causing mutation, producing apparently healthy embryos, according to a study published on Wednesday. The research marks a major milestone and, while a long way from clinical use, it raises the prospect that gene editing may one day protect babies from a variety of hereditary conditions. But the achievement is also an example of human genetic engineering, once feared and unthinkable, and is sure to renew ethical concerns that some might try to design babies with certain traits, like greater intelligence or athleticism. Read more