What’s new: The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has explicitly prohibited all clinical research into editing the DNA of human reproductive cells in an ethical guideline published this week.
“Currently, any clinical research involving germline genome editing is irresponsible and not allowed,” the document said, noting that alterations to such cells would be inheritable and therefore first require further analysis to understand any risks and potential benefits. Germline genome editing refers to altering the DNA of germ cells, fertilized eggs or embryos.
