The first 'genetically modified' baby was born

Protein structure of BRCA1 - the cause of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.Photos: mdsystems.com.

The first child in the UK was genetically impacted to not suffer from breast cancer like those in his mother's recently married family in London on January 9.

Doctors say three generations of women in her family have both breast cancer and ovarian cancer in their twenties, but the new baby will not face that risk.

"We have stopped the raging of breast cancer in her family for generations," said Paul Serhal, a hospital specialist who performed the gene impact statement.

Her mother conceived by in vitro fertilization. Doctors take cells from embryos to test genes with genetic diagnostic techniques to detect and eliminate genes that are likely to cause breast cancer. Accordingly, only embryos without a gene called BRCA1 can be implanted in the mother's womb.

The carriers of BRCA1 have 80% of the risk of breast cancer and 60% of the risk of ovarian cancer. Dr. Paul Serhal said, the parents of girls are well advised during treatment. Then 5 embryos without the BRCA1 gene were implanted in the mother's body and one of them developed into a fetus.

Many scientists are concerned that genetic engineering techniques can lead to "patterned" children, meaning that people can choose eye color, height, and even index. Intelligent, for babies. Some people oppose the technique, saying that a child who doesn't have breast cancer may be the first step towards that scenario.

"I think it's a misunderstanding. It's funny that people bring the technology to remove a gene that can cause cancer with the creation of perfect children like the ambition to create a superior race. of Nazi Germany before, " Paul insisted.