02 November 2015 02 Nov 2015

Considering genetic modification

In September 2015, it was reported that researchers at London's Francis Crick Institute (2015) had sought permission from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to use so-called ‘gene editing’ techniques on human embryos Although it is illegal to use gene editing techniques in treatment, it is permissible for research if carried out under an HFEA license, and provided the embryos are destroyed within a fortnight