Tech billionaires want to make gene-edited babies

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Tech billionaires, including figures like Sam Altman, are exploring the possibility of creating gene-edited babies
• While most countries have imposed strict bans following controversial efforts like that of Chinese scientist He Jiankui, these new efforts, backed by Silicon Valley's wealthiest, are gaining momentum

🔭 The context: He Jiankui's controversial experiment in 2018, which resulted in the first gene-edited babies, was widely condemned for its ethical violations and lack of scientific oversight.
• Silicon Valley's push: Now, tech billionaires are funding initiatives to bypass these restrictions, promoting gene-editing as a solution to genetic diseases and potential enhancements for future generations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The development of gene-edited babies raises profound ethical, social, and environmental concerns
• While the technology could potentially eradicate genetic disorders, it also opens the door to eugenics, genetic enhancement, and the creation of inequalities based on genetic traits
• The potential for misuse or unintended consequences has sparked debates about the regulation of genetic science and the responsibility of those funding such innovations

⏭️ What’s next: As efforts from Silicon Valley continue to gain ground, it is likely that new regulations or reforms will emerge, especially around the ethical implications of gene-editing technologies and their accessibility

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