How to avoid another gene editing scandal
Dear readers,
This week's edition of BioEdge includes a range of stories from around the world. Two articles focus specifically on the recent Chinese gene editing scandal. A commission is being organised by the US National Academy of Medicine to write new guidelines that deal specifically with gene editing projects involving human embryos. This is a step in the right direction. Though perhaps more needs to be done to prevent rogue scientists from carrying out unauthorised research involving new biotechnologies. If a scientist is intent on conducting unethical research, they will always find a way to rationalise their work.
Xavier Symons
Deputy Editor
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More needs to be done than just writing new guidelines.
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Xavier Symons is a bioethicist and scholar in residence at the Kennedy Institute for Ethics at Georgetown University.
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