Gene editing on human embryos would not create ‘designer babies’
Researchers are moving forward with attempts to make edits to human embryos using CRISPR and other genome editing techniques.
Here’s what potential Mars colonists really need from Earth: A large gene pool
If we really want Martian colonies, we can’t send just a few Adams and Eves. We can’t set-up a Martian Jamestown of 100 people.
Battling Parkinson’s disease by rejuvenating ageing cells
Fixing body tissues by knocking out genes that prevent bad mitochondrial from being ousted in a timely fashion might sound like science fiction.
Our brains as hard drives – could we delete, modify or add memories and skills?
At MIT’s Center for Neural Circuit Genetics, for example, scientists have modified memories in mice using an optogenetic interface.
Are we ready for the artificial womb?
Our ability to create the artificial womb is inching its way toward us. The big question is whether or not society is ready for it.
Supercharged brains and the quest to think better and faster
When it comes to the mind, there are a host of drugs that have become popular in various settings as nootropics or “smart drugs”.
Deep-space travel, colonization may rely on genetically engineered life forms
As humanity looks outward, we ponder what kind of life we ought to take with us to support outposts and eventually colonies off the Earth.
Why synthetic biology is about much more than resurrecting woolly mammoths
Synthetic biology involves the rewriting of large segments of the genomes of organisms, resulting in what effectively are new organisms.
Body part regeneration: How science can make the jump from fantasy to reality
Regenerative medicine is promising and exciting to hear about, but reports on limb regrowth should be taken with caution.
We can identify ‘bad’ genes. Why can’t we use CRISPR gene editing to get rid of them?
A desirable option would be to use CRISPR gene editing to essentially cut out the unwanted gene. There are, however, many challenges ahead.