Scientists will create a synthetic human genome
The Synthetic Human Genome Project
A group of UK scientists will start working on the Synthetic Human Genome Project, a research program to artificially create human genetic material from scratch.
Controversial
According to the BBC, the project has been controversial among scientists due to the ethical implications of allowing humanity to synthesize DNA.
Ethical concerns
Some experts warned the British broadcaster that the project could lead to designer babies, non-health-related genetic edits, or even biological weapons.
UK-based research and funding
The project will be held entirely in the UK, and the funding comes from a local non-profit, the Wellcome Trust, the world's largest medical charity.
The benefits outweighed the risks
Dr. Tom Collins, who green-lit the funding, told the BBC that they believe the cost of inaction is much higher. "This technology is going to be developed," he added, "and we are at least trying to do it in as responsible a way as possible."
Human Genome Project
The charity announced the initiative to the BBC on the 25th anniversary of the first success of the Human Genome Project. This scientific endeavor led to the full understanding of our genome.
Reading, but not writing
The original project allowed researchers to "read" human DNA; the new one aims to enable them to "write" it. The BBC said the team would only work toward creating one sequence and then a chromosome and would be limited to test tubes and dishes. It will last five years
Developing the methods
The researchers will concentrate on developing the methods to create human DNA from scratch. The project's ultimate goal is to develop disease-resistant cells to repair organs.
DNA
The project will also allow scientists to better understand human DNA. According to The Guardian, scientists will start by making sections of the chromosome and testing them in human skin cells.
Genetic therapies
The final goal of having a synthetic human genome is to allow scientists to create genetic treatments more easily, a significant portion of the most recent medical research.
Curing almost any disease
"The information gained from synthesizing human genomes may be directly useful in generating treatments for almost any disease," Prof. Jason Chin, one of the project leaders, told the newspaper.
