Base Editing & Human Embryo Development (opens in new tab)

A genome editing technique called CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to correct genes in children and adults with conditions like Sickle Cell Disease and certain cancers. Scientists had also hoped it might be used in future to remove disease-causing genes from embryonic cells – making the genetic changes permanent and heritable. However, research found that it leads to chromosomal abnormalities and should not be used in human embryos for gene correction.