A controversial technique that lets scientists 'edit' genes in a human embryo has been successfully used for the first time in the US.

The effort involved changing the DNA of a group one-cell human embryos with the 'cut and paste' gene-editing technique, known as CRISPR.

The technique means the next generation may benefit from powerful gene therapies that can delete or repair flawed genes.

It could act as a golden bullet for diseases like cancer, HIV and genetic conditions such as Huntington's disease.

But some countries have signed a convention prohibiting the practice based on concerns it could be used to create 'designer babies'.

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Technology that allows alteration of genes in a human embryo has been used for the first time in the United States. The research shows it is possible to safely correct defective genes that cause inherited diseases (stock image)

CRISPR GENE EDITING CONTROVERSY Technology that allows alteration of genes in a human embryo has been used for the first time in the United States. The research, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, head of OHSU's Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, involves a technology known as CRISPR. Scientists in China have previously published similar studies with mixed results. But many are opposed to these types of experiments over concerns it could be used to create 'designer babies'. The US intelligence community last year labelled CRISPR a potential 'weapon of mass destruction.' In recent days the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) created the Safe Genes program in order to better understand how these gene editing technologies work. And in December 2015 Scientists and ethicists held and an international meeting held at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington. They said it would be 'irresponsible' to use gene editing technology in human embryos for therapeutic purposes. Advertisement

Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland carried out the study, according to MIT's Technology Review.

So far, three previous reports of editing human embryos were all published by scientists in China.

But this experiment is believed to have broken new ground in the number of embryos experimented upon.

None of the embryos were allowed to develop for more than a few days, according to sources familiar with the study.

The research, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, head of OHSU's Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, involves a technology known as CRISPR.

This has opened up new frontiers in genetic medicine because of its ability to modify genes quickly and efficiently.

CRISPR works as a type of molecular scissors that can selectively trim away unwanted parts of the genome, and replace it with new stretches of DNA.

Results of the peer-reviewed study are expected to be published soon in a scientific journal, according to OHSU spokesman Eric Robinson.

Speaking to Technology Review, a scientist familiar with the project said: 'It is proof of principle that it can work.

'They significantly reduced mosaicism.

'I don't think it's the start of clinical trials yet, but it does take it further than anyone has before.'

Scientists in China have previously published similar studies with mixed results.

The CRISPR/Cas9 technqiue uses tags which identify the location of the mutation, and an enzyme, which acts as tiny scissors, to cut DNA in a precise place, allowing small portions of a gene to be removed

But many are opposed to these types of experiments, including religious, civil society and biotech groups.

The US intelligence community last year labelled CRISPR a potential 'weapon of mass destruction.'

In recent days the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) created the Safe Genes program in order to better understand how these gene editing technologies work.

And in December 2015 Scientists and ethicists held and an international meeting held at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington.

They said it would be 'irresponsible' to use gene editing technology in human embryos for therapeutic purposes, such as to correct genetic diseases, until safety and efficacy issues are resolved.

Earlier this year however, NAS and the National Academy of Medicine said scientific advances make gene editing in human reproductive cells 'a realistic possibility that deserves serious consideration.'