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The worrying return of genetic eugenics

The 46 human chromosomes (23 pairs) are made up of DNA which carries the genes (around 20,000). JAMES CAVALLINI /BSIP/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Should we be happy that the scientific journal Natureone of the most influential, calls in its January 9 edition for a discussion on human genome editing – the ability to modify in vitro the DNA sequence of an embryo, from its conception, to improve its heritage hereditary and that of its descendants?

The first, wild attempt led to the birth, in 2018, of twin girls, Lulu and Nana, in whom an off-target gene and DNA sequences (not targeted by the manipulation) had been altered. Its author, the Chinese He Jiankui, spent three years in prison. Such intervention is now prohibited anywhere in the world. However, it is a completely different scale of genetic modification that is envisaged by the British journal.

“Although it will be several decades before the science and technologies of human genome editing can be applied precisely and at scale, they are on the way (…). Companies need to be ready, understand the benefits and dangers, and know what to do when the time comes.”concludes his editorial. We should still not get confused in the debate and, under the cover of a sound warning, feed the poisonous mirages of the omnipotence of the gene.

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