British scientists are allowed to genetically modify human embryos

Scientists from the Francis Crick Institute in London have received permission from the Office for Embryology and In vitro fertilization to genetically modify human embryos, reports the BBC.

It is noted that the main purpose of the modification is an experiment.

“We would like to understand what genes are needed for a human embryo to develop into a healthy baby,” explained Dr. Katie Niakan, project leader.

The study, she says, is very important because "abortions and miscarriages are very common these days, but poorly understood."

Scientists will study the first seven days of the life of the egg after fertilization in order to understand which genes determine the further viability of the cell. Research will be carried out only with separate parts of the embryos, which will be destroyed after 14 days. The implantation of altered embryos into a woman's body will be prohibited.

It is assumed that the data obtained will improve the process of embryo development during IVF, as well as help in the treatment of infertility, the prevention of miscarriages and various pathologies in children.

Last April, an international group of scientists urged Chinese colleagues to stop similar experiments with genetic modification of embryos due to the increased incidence of mutations.

In February 2015, the UK Parliament allowed the donation of mitochondria during in vitro fertilization, that is, the birth of children with DNA elements from a third person.