Scientists assembled in Washington-DC this week for the International Summit on Human Gene Editing for a discussion over a technology known as CRISPR-CAS9, which can put in, remove and alter the DNA of almost any organism.

The technology is relatively easy, cheap and correct, and many laboratories worldwide have been using it to make cells and breed laboratory animals, using modified DNA for researches related to diseases.

CRISPR may also be used for modifying DNA in human embryos, but the query is that whether it should be allowed or not.

Scientists and bioethicists have raised, highlighted many concerns, including heritable gene modifications and the use of this technology for the creation of ‘designer babies’. The technology gives new opportunities for treatment and prevention of diseases, but due to unknown and likely substantial risks it raises an ethical discussion.

The discussion should be based on an understanding of what can and can’t be edited meaningfully.

Research in the field of the genetic prediction of complex diseases and traits, has every time shown that common diseases and human traits were not genetic sufficient for prediction using DNA tests. These are the reasons due to which it won’t be possible to program the existence of traits in embryos successfully.

Any kind of worried over the fact that the technology may take a step forward to enhance babies by choosing favorable traits like intelligence and athleticism could be unwarranted. In order to ‘programme’ a trait with gene editing, it has to meet 2 criteria’s.