Britain: Cancer-free 'designer babies' get approval

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SUMMARY

The UK has approved the selection of embryos free from inherited cancer genes, allowing couples with genetic bowel cancer to utilize this technology through IVF. This decision, made by the Government's fertility watchdog, enables four couples to begin the embryo screening process by the end of the year. The move is seen as a significant advancement in genetic technology, promoting the ethical responsibility to prevent hereditary diseases.

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  • Understanding of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) procedures
  • Knowledge of genetic screening techniques
  • Familiarity with hereditary cancer syndromes
  • Awareness of ethical considerations in genetic engineering
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  • Research the implications of genetic screening in IVF
  • Explore advancements in CRISPR technology for gene editing
  • Investigate the ethical frameworks surrounding designer babies
  • Learn about hereditary cancer syndromes and their genetic markers
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This discussion is beneficial for geneticists, fertility specialists, ethicists, and anyone interested in the future of genetic engineering and its implications for hereditary diseases.

Ivan Seeking
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Cancer-free 'designer babies' get approval
By Mark Henderson, Science Correspondent

PEOPLE with inherited forms of cancer have won the right to select embryos free from genes that might trigger the disease in future generations, The Times has learnt.
Four couples affected by a genetic form of bowel cancer will start the procedure by the end of the year, after the Government’s fertility watchdog allowed a London clinic to screen IVF embryos for the disorder. [continued]
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1339197,00.html
 
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Sounds good to me. If we have the technology to make this choice it would be immoral to let a child be born with an inherited disease like cancer.
 
I agree with Number 42. It's good news for mankind and also mark a starting point in genetics.
 

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