For the first time, scientists in Britain will be allowed to conduct experiments on gene-editing technique as Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority has supported the controversial practice for trials on human embryos.

The landmark decision, which comes on Monday, will allow scientists to use the technique just to conduct experiments, and not to create babies. Their major objective will to improve fertility treatments by understanding human development. Researchers have to destroy the modified human embryos after a few days.

Gene-editing technique appeared in news last year when a group of Chinese researchers claimed that they conducted some successful experiment on human embryos. That time, many people around the world criticized the technique and called for a ban on it. They feared that such experiments could be genetically engineered babies.

The method involves removing, repairing or restoring of living cells’ DNA bits in biological cut-and-paste technique. Researchers of the sector believe gene editing technique could one day help in battle against HIV and other disorders.

A team of researchers led by Kathy Niakan, an embryo and stem cell specialist from Francis Crick Institute in London, has received green signal from the British authorities to use the gene editing technique and experiment an embryo’s growth in a week.

“The research will enhance our understanding of IVF in vitro fertilization success rates by looking at the very earliest stage of human development”, Paul Nurse, director of Francis Crick Institute, said in a statement.

The authorities have given permission for the technique, but also warned that the researchers will not transfer any of the embryos into women. They will be used to develop about 250 cells from single cell, and after that, they will be destroyed.