DNA manipulation technique using CRISPR enzymes, binds to particular parts of the genome before splicing it, promissed nothing less than a revolution in genetics. Now it starts bearing fruits, and initial human-dna editing testing under way, even as many heed warnings on ethical issues.
Chinese researchers were cautious enough to select only non-viable embryos. While results were not consistent enough to indicate we mastered genetic altering, it stands as a clear statement that this fronteer is open for game. And that (some) researchers are not waiting until the ethical debate around it is settle – if such a thing is even possible.
A couple of recent articles about this on MIT Review, by Jason Pontin, and in Popular Science by Alexandra Ossola