WHO requests registration of genetic modification system

Experts from the World Health Organization said last week that it would be irresponsible for any scientist to do human geneticsmounting studies in people. They also called for the creation of a central registry of gene editing studies to ensure that scientists are open and honest about their work.

The WHO group was established three months ago following the announcement by a Chinese scientist that he had altered the genes of the twin babies. They met for the first time last Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.

The group said that it was agreed a way to establish rules for research on gene editing. He also asked WHO to immediately create a register of these studies.

"The committee will develop … guidance for all those working on this new technology," said Soumya Swamanathan, chief scientist of WHO.

Last year, a Chinese scientist claimed to have changed the genes of two baby girls. They are born of the same mother in the same pregnancy.

The birth news has led to the condemnation of the whole world. Many people thought that this could be the beginning of "designer babies", children whose genes have been modified to give them traits or desirable qualities.

Scientists and ethicists Seven countries have recently called for the suspension of gene editing, which would give birth to genetically modified babies. They warned that the process could have permanent and possibly harmful effects on human beings.

The WHO group said in a statement that any human gene editing work should be done solely for research purposes. He also said that gene editing tests should not be conducted on humans.

The Director General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, welcomed the group's plans. "Gene editing is a (big) promise for health, but it pose certain risks, both ethically and medically, "he said.

The group said it aims, over the next two years, to establish governance rules for national, local and international officials to ensure that the science of human genome revision progresses in the future. agreed ethical limits.

I am Susan Shand.

The Reuters news agency reported this story. Susan Shand has adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the publisher.

Words in this story

irresponsible – adj. says or does without any sense of responsibility

edit – v. make changes, correct mistakes

ethics – not. rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad

pose – v. to put in place; create