UPDATED: 3:00 p.m. GMT with Academy of Medical Sciences statement

LONDON — Scientists in the UK have been granted permission to genetically modify human embryos in a bid to gain a deeper understanding of the earliest moments of human life.

Following the green light from regulators Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), experiments could begin in the next few months, according to the BBC. However, scientists will not be allowed to implant the embryos into a woman.

The research — which will be undertaken at the Francis Crick Institute in London on embryos in the first seven days after fertilisation — could uncover currently unknown contributors to miscarriages.

In the UK, it's estimated that a miscarriage occurs in 15-20% of pregnancies, with 85% of miscarriages occurring in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

"The reason why it is so important is because miscarriages and infertility are extremely common, but they're not very well understood," Dr Kathy Niakan of the Francis Crick Institute said earlier this year.

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In an emailed statement, the HFEA said it has attached a condition to the licence that any research using gene editing needs to first be approved by the Research Ethics Committee.

"Dr Niakan's proposed research is important for understanding how a healthy human embryo develops and will enhance our understanding of IVF success rates, by looking at the very earliest stage of human development," Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute, said after the decision.

Prof. Sir Robert Lechler, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said in a statement:

It is reassuring to see the HFEA approving Dr Niakan’s proposal. Studies such as this, that focus on asking basic questions about human-embryo development, are needed to help answer the many scientific and ethical questions remaining in this field. Genetic editing may in the future be applied clinically, to treat or prevent otherwise untreatable and serious genetic diseases. It is important that an open debate continues between not just researchers, but ethicists, healthcare professionals, regulators, relevant patients and their families, and the wider public. Dr Niakan's study will not just help to advance the biomedical sciences, but will further inform this ongoing debate, while keeping the UK at the forefront in the field.

Last year, Chinese researchers made the first attempt at modifying genes in human embryos. Their laboratory experiment didn't work but raised the prospect of altering genes to repair the genes of future generations.

Scientists say such techniques could lead to treatments for inherited conditions.

Around the world, laws and guidelines vary widely about what kind of research on embryos that will change the genes of future generations, is allowed. In the U.S., the National Institutes of Health won't fund this kind of research but private funding is allowed.

Critics warn that tweaking the genetic code this way could eventually lead to a slippery slope.

"This is the first step on a path that scientists have carefully mapped out towards the legalisation of (genetically modified) babies," said David King, of anti-gene manipulation group Human Genetics Alert, last month when the British fertility regulator held its meeting to decide on granting the gene editing license.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.