Living on Earth: Part 4: Genetic Manipulation

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Part 4: Genetic Manipulation

Published: February 6, 2018

Genetic manipulation describes the process of creating so-called designer babies, where scientists correct or improve a gene feature by manipulation in the embryo, sometimes called germ line manipulation or inheritable genetic modification. The idea is to go into the cells of an embryo and add a gene or take away a gene to try to change the outcome. This, in essence, gives us the power to direct the evolution of ourselves. Genetic manipulation differs from gene therapy because changes made to one human are transferred to other generations. This work is not yet being done in humans because it raises a host of ethical questions, but it is very common in scientific experiments on animals. According to some polls, between 40 and 45 percent of Americans approved of the concept of using genetic manipulation to bolster physical and intellectual traits in their children.

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