The idea of editing human embryos may be restricted in many parts of the world, and creating an edited baby is actually illegal in most countries according to legal scholars. However, with advancing technology, the issue of editing embryos could become irrelevant.
Scientists have found new methods of incorporating CRISPR, a groundbreaking gene editing tool, into the bodies of already born individuals. This means that people could easily receive genetic changes to enhance their health and even improve other traits. In the future, it’s possible that many individuals will benefit from rare gene mutations that are currently only present in small populations. These mutations could potentially protect us from diseases, improve metabolism, height, cognition, and more.
However, the path to genetic enhancement may not be straightforward. Certain groups may access these health benefits before others, and commercial interests could drive the technology in undesirable directions. It is important to consider the ethical and social implications of genetic editing.
—Antonio Regalado
This article is featured in the upcoming print issue of MIT Technology Review, commemorating 125 years of the magazine! The issue will be available on Wednesday, August 28, so make sure to subscribe now to secure your copy.
A breakthrough in robotics: robots can now sense human touch without artificial skin
The advancement: Traditional robots struggle to accurately perceive human touch due to their lack of tactile sensitivity. However, this is about to change with the development of robots that can detect and interpret touch without the need for sophisticated artificial skin. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for robots to interact more naturally with humans.