CGS : Inheritable Genetic Modification

About Inheritable Genetic Modification

The Basic Science

Frequently Asked Questions

Arguments Pro & Con

Inheritable genetic modification (IGM, also called germline engineering) means changing the genes passed on to future generations. The genetic changes would be made in eggs, sperm or early embryos; modified genes would appear not only in the person who developed from that gamete or embryo, but also in all succeeding generations. IGM has not been tried in humans. It would be by far the most consequential type of genetic modification as it would open the door to irreversibly altering the human species.

Proposals for inheritable genetic modification in humans combine techniques involving in vitro fertilization (IVF), gene transfer, stem cells and research cloning.

A New Technique for Human Genetic Modification?by Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMay 1st, 2012Chinese scientists have developed a new way to reproduce genetically modified mice, and are already speculating about human applications.

Discussing Transhumanism on Al-Jazeeraby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesApril 5th, 2012Al Jazeera, the global TV and multimedia news organization, recently featured a discussion of transhumanism.

A Burst of Useful (Not Utilitarian) Bloggingby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesMarch 22nd, 2012Bioethicists' articles about the permissibility of infanticide and a pill for racism have been drawing a buzz of outrage.

SynBioWatch to Hold Public Discussion on Synthetic Biology Risksby Doug Pet, Biopolitical TimesMarch 16th, 2012A social and environmental justice coalition, SynbioWatch, will hold a public meeting to discuss the possible dangers associated with synthetic biology.

Bioengineer Humans to Tackle Climate Change, Say Philosophersby Leo Hickman, GuardianMarch 14th, 2012The authors of a controversial recommendation say their critics have misunderstood the nature of philosophical inquiry.

Environmental Groups Call for Tighter Regulation of ‘Extreme Genetic Engineering’by Brian Vastag, Washington PostMarch 13th, 2012A global coalition of 111 organizations released the first global declaration outlining principles that must be adopted to protect the environment from risks posed by synthetic biology.

Worrying New Signs of Interest in Re-engineering Humansby Pete Shanks, Biopolitical TimesFebruary 23rd, 2012Several academics and defense department employees are actively discussing the idea of engineering people, for warfare, to express social values and even to react to climate change.

Biopolitical Times Mourns the Passing of Charles WeinerBiopolitical TimesFebruary 7th, 2012History of science scholar Charles Weiner passed away January 28, 2012. We reflect on his contributions to the field.

'Three-Person IVF' Technique Moves CloserBBC NewsJanuary 19th, 2012Public opinion will help decide the future of a controversial genetic technique to stop serious conditions being passed from mother to child.

Synthetic Biology and the Rise of the 'Spider-Goats'by Adam Rutherford, The Guardian [UK]January 14th, 2012"Synthetic organisms at this point should not be out there in the environment; they shouldn't be out there in industry. That's irresponsible and inappropriate."

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