Aggregated News
Two American scientists have applied for a European patent
on
"designer sperm" -- that which would allow a father
to pass on only
the healthiest genes to his offspring. According to New Scientist
magazine, Ralph Brinster and Jim Zimmerman, two animal scientists
from the University of Pennsylvania, want to patent a process
that
genetically modifies the cells that become sperm. The process
involves removing the spermatogonia, which evolve into sperm,
altering them with desirable traits and replacing them in the
testes.
"The patient can then father progeny free from the worry
that he
would pass on a disease to his progeny," the application
reads.
Richard Chinn, the University's patent agent, said a patent was filed in the U.S. in 1991; however, he could not confirm that one had been applied for in Europe. He told New Scientist that this particular research was the product of federal funding.
Doris Zallen, who sits on the U.S. DNA Advisory Committee, which evaluates gene therapy proposals, said, "I'm shocked at (the university's) willingness to see the human application of this technology." "The consensus around...