First editing of human embryos carried out in United States

The first known attempt at creating genetically modified human embryos by altering genes has been carried out by a team of researchers in Portland, Oregon, in the US. 

The technique led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University, (OHSU) involved changing the DNA of a large group one-cell human embryos with the 'cut and paste' gene-editing technique, known as CRISPR.

CRISPR works as a type of molecular scissors that can selectively trim away unwanted parts of the genome, and replace it with new stretches of DNA.

The research has opened up new frontiers in genetic medicine because of its ability to modify genes quickly and efficiently.

The technique means the next generation may benefit from powerful gene therapies that can delete or repair flawed genes.

According to Technology Review, which first reported the news, the OHSU research is believed to have broken new ground both in the number of embryos experimented upon and by demonstrating it is possible to safely and efficiently correct defective genes that cause inherited diseases.

None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days, according to the report.

It could act as a golden bullet for diseases like cancer, HIV and genetic conditions such as Huntington's disease.

Some countries have signed a convention prohibiting the practice on concerns it could be used to create so-called designer babies.

Results of the peer-reviewed study are expected to be published soon in a scientific journal, according to OHSU spokesman Eric Robinson.