UK-based scientists from London's Francis Crick Institute have requested permission from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to edit the genes of day-old embryos; a panel is due to convene today to debate the merits of the application. The HFEA has said it will consider applications for editing human embryos only if they are "novel or controversial" – meaning that there would be no precedent in which such an application had been
UK-based scientists from London's Francis Crick Institute have requested permission from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to edit the genes of day-old embryos; a panel is due to convene today to debate the merits of the application. Lead researcher Kathy Niakan is seeking endorsement to edit embryos' genes in order to develop better treatments for infertility and miscarriages.