Use gene tools for disease, not designer babies, says panel

San Francisco

BREAKTHROUGH gene-editing technologies should be used for treating disease or disabilities, said a body of scientific specialists, not for changes such as creating a smarter, taller or better-looking child.

The US National Academy of Sciences issued a 200-page-plus report on Tuesday meant to serve as ethical guidelines for gene-editing technologies that are quickly becoming a mainstay in medical research. One such technology, known as Crispr, can elegantly snip out sections of DNA and replace them with other genetic instructions. Used to treat or potentially cure diseases caused by genetic defects, the technology has also raised worries about non-medical alterations that could be passed from one generation to the next.