Should We Genetically Modify Humans?

Genetically modified plants and livestock are already a controversial reality. But what about genetically modifying humans? The technology could potentially eradicate certain diseases that run in families such as inherited cancers or debilitating Huntington’s disease. Dana Carroll, distinguished professor of biochemistry, and pioneer in the field of genomic engineering, has joined a group of 18 scientists who are calling for a ban on human genomic engineering until scientists, clinicians, and the public can agree on prudent safety and ethics measures. He discusses recent events that have sparked the current debate, and what is at stake if things aren’t handled properly. The group of scientists published their commentary in the journal Science. Read more.