A heavy-hitting list of authors recently put forth[1] the following recommendations regarding human germline genome editing (verbatim from Science): "In the ne

A heavy-hitting list of authors recently put forth[1] the following recommendations regarding human germline genome editing (verbatim from Science): "In the near term, we recommend that steps be taken to: 1) Strongly discourage, even in those countries with lax jurisdictions where it might be permitted, any attempts at germline genome modification for clinical application in humans, while societal, environmental, and ethical implications of such activity are discussed among scientific and governmental organizations. (In countries with a highly developed bioscience capacity, germline genome modification in humans is currently illegal or tightly regulated.) This will enable pathways to responsible uses of this technology, if any, to be identified. 2) Create forums in which experts from the scientific and bioethics communities can provide information and education about this new era of human biology, the issues accompanying the risks and rewards of using such powerful technology for a wide variety of applications including the potential to treat or cure human genetic disease, and the attendant ethical, social, and legal implications of genome modification. 3) Encourage and support transparent research to evaluate the efficacy and specificity of CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology in human and nonhuman model systems relevant to its potential applications for germline gene therapy. Such research is essential to inform deliberations about what clinical applications, if any, might in the future be deemed permissible. 4) Convene a globally representative group of developers and users of genome engineering technology and experts in genetics, law, and bioethics, as well as members of the scientific community, the public, and relevant government agencies and interest groups, to further consider these important issues, and where appropriate, recommend policies." 1. http://www.sciencemag.org/content/348/6230/36.full http://www.sciencemag.org/content/348/6230/36.full Baltimore, David, et al. A prudent path forward for genomic engineering and germline gene modification. Science 3 April 2015: 348 (6230), 36-38.Published online 19 March 2015 [DOI:10.1126/science.aab1028]