article_snippet.sent: However, others argue that the technology could also be used to rid families of devastating inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis or certain cancers.
article_snippet.sent: A gene editing technique known as CRISPR can search through DNA and replace specific genes or remove DNA.
article_snippet.sent: Until now scientists have concentrated on using genome editing techniques on somatic cells - non-reproductive cells like those found in skin, muscle, nerves, bone and liver for example - to help scientists study diseases.
article_snippet.sent: The warning follows a breakthrough last April in which scientists were able to cure a genetic liver disease in living, adult mice using the Crispr-Cas9 gene editing technique.
article_snippet.sent: The Crispr technology precisely changes target parts of genetic code and could be used to create designer babies. '
article_snippet.sent: We used a pair of molecular scissors and a molecular sat nav that tells molecular scissors where to cut,' Dr Perry told James Gallagher at the BBC. '
article_snippet.sent: Unlike other gene-silencing tools, the Crispr system targets the genome's source material and permanently turns off genes at the DNA level.
article_snippet.sent: Such research could be exploited for non-therapeutic modifications. '