Researchers in Portland, Oregon, U.S. have just attempted to create genetically modified embryos. Led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov from Oregon Health and Science University, this involved changing the DNA of a large number of one-cell embryos with the gene-editing technique CRISPR.
Until now, American scientists have experienced a combination of awe, envy and some worry from scientists in other parts of the world who were first to explore this controversial practice.
However, it is believed that Mitalipov has broken new ground both in the number of embryos experimented upon and by demonstrating that it's possible to safely and efficiently correct defective genes that cause inherited diseases.
So far, this is in its testing phase. None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days and there had never been any intention of implanting them into a womb. Nevertheless, what was once deemed as science fiction may soon become a reality: the experiments are a milestone on what may prove to be an inevitable journey toward the birth of the first genetically modified human.
By altering the DNA code of human embryos, the objective of this experiment is to show that genes that cause inherited diseases, can be corrected and eradicated. This process is termed as 'germline engineering' because any genetically modified child would then pass the changes on to subsequent generations via their own germ cells - the egg and sperm.
Those opposing the project believe that the germline experiments could open the floodgates to a new world of 'designer babies' engineered with genetic enhancements. This prospect is of course, bitterly opposed by religious organizations, as well as civil society groups and biotech companies. Furthermore, the U.S. Intelligence community last year called this project a potential weapon of mass destruction.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
Despite Looking Similar, Cats Are MORE Diverse Than Dogs!
Who's more diverse, cats or dogs? This video answers this question once and for all, the it might surprise you...
Ever Wondered Why the Sun Makes You Sneeze?
Ever wondered why looking at the sun or at bright lights makes you sneeze? Turns out, you have a condition.
9 Inspirational Female Scientists You Should Know About
History is full of women who made significant contributions to science. Let’s meet the most influential ones.
Welcome to the Seed Bank in Kew Gardens, London
Welcome to the bank in Kew Gardens. It won't ever hold money, but it is bomb-proof. What is guarded there?
Incredible! These TVs from the Future Will Blow Your Mind!
Television companies are nothing if they're not ambitious. Have a look at 5 of the most advanced forms of TV technology that we can't wait to see in action!
The Facts You Didn't Know About the Human Body...
Discover 120 fascinating and surprising facts about your body you may not have known. Going over most of the body parts, you will learn so much you never knew about the body we all use.
The Accidental Discovery of the World’s First Antibiotic
Not too long ago, it was fairly common to die of the simplest of wounds due to bacterial infection. Penicillin changed everything.
The COOLEST Flames in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Have you ever seen a flame as epic as this? Find out how it's made...
How to Make Cleansing Hydrogen Water from an Old Battery
Let's embark on this scientific journey to unlock the potential of water and discover the practical uses of hydrogen and oxygen in everyday life.
Can One Photo Really Tell How Good Your Eyesight Is?
Scientists say that this single photograph can tell you whether you have good vision or not. Who can you see in the image?
How Your Eye Came to Be the Color It Is...
Why do we have different-colored eyes, and what does it mean?
These Ancient Inventions Have Got Scientists Stumped!
Here are 12 items from long ago which prove that our ancestors possessed knowledge and skills far more advanced than we once believed them to be.
Researchers Claim This Ingredient Can Cure Depression!
A preliminary study has suggested that magic mushrooms may be able to soothe the symptoms of depression. Read here to find out more.
These Wacky Inventions of the Past Appear Odd to Us Today!
These vintage tech inventions may look very interesting or even incredible, but their practicality today is questionable...
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
Six Inventions Da-Vinci Made Ahead of Their Time
He created and envisioned many inventions that were sometimes even centuries ahead of their time. Was there ever a genius as great as Da-Vinci?
The Surprisingly Convoluted History of Traffic Lights
What did the first-ever traffic light look like? Probably stranger than you imagine...
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
20 Amazingly Simple Inventions That Make Life Easier
Some wonderful inventions can fix some of the most annoying little problems that bug us every single day. Here are 20 of the most inventive ideas I've ever seen that I can't believe no one has invented before.
When Under a Microscope, Even Ordinary Things Seem Alien
Have you ever given any thought to what every day things look like under a microscope? Some of these images are truly beautiful - see for yourself in the images below.
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
10 New Things We've Learned About The Brain
We have learned some astonishing new things about the human brain in recent times.
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?
These 20 Tech Inventions Will Define the Next Decade
The future is here. Check out some emerging technologies that are all set to chane our world forever.
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
15 Frightening Animals Early Humans Had to Live With
10 scary animals early cavemen in Africa had to deal with 200,000 years ago.
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
These Things All Say Something About Your Body Or Mind
There are many things that you can determine about your body and mind just by looking at yourself. Here are 10 things that your body says about you.
The Magical Geometry of Crystals and How It Came to Be
How and why crystals are formed in such distinctive shapes that look like a human must have shaped them.
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
9 Women Inventors Who Have Been Overlooked by History
History has overlooked many great women inventors. Here’s your chance to get to know a few of them.
Fascinating: What is the Deepest Hole Humanity Has Dug?
This video explains how low humanity has dug down so far.
Incredible New Bionic Arm Fuses With Woman's Nerves
Karin's bionic hand is real sci fi, making her one of the first true cyborgs.
50 Crazy But True Facts About Dreams You Need to Know
Here are some strange and unusual facts about dreams that will surprise you.
Guide: All About the Gut-Brain Connection in Your Body
it's becoming increasingly clear just how influential our tiny gut microbes are in shaping our mood and even our overall health.
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
The Future is in Our Hands - Next Generation Technology
These young brilliant minds grind hard at finding and creating solution to waste recycling, and the results are promising.
10 Real-Life Technologies That Science Fiction Foretold
Sometimes even the wildest science-fiction predictions about the future come true.
6 Fascinating Stories of Accidental Medical Discoveries
From penicillin to pacemakers, here are the medical breakthroughs that were discovered by accident.
6 Intriguing Archeological Finds of the 21st Century
These archaeological and paleontological discoveries were made in the past 10 years and they're equally fascinating and intriguing...
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.
WATCH: This is What Occurs In Our Brain When We're In Love
We all love being in love, and actually crave it and need it, but what actually happens to our brains when we're in love? Watch this TED Talk to find out.
New Study: Are Dogs Even More Intelligent than We Thought?
New study sheds more light on canine intelligence, making some fascinating discoveries.
This Visual Shows the Science Behind the Shape of Rivers
A fascinating visual model that explains why and how rivers change their course.
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.