Genetically Modified Human Beings Could Exist by 2017, Researchers Raise ConcernsBy Amando Flavio From animals and plants, the DNA altering has now caught up with human beings. Soon, we would see genetically modified human beings. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a new genetic editing tool, which scientists claim could transform the field of biology. In fact, for many years now, scientists have been experimenting on gene editing techniques in order to find the best tool to alter the DNA of human beings. It is through this search that animal and plant genes were altered by scientists. With the discovery of CRISPR, it allows scientists to edit human genes with unprecedented precision, efficiency, and flexibility. So far, scientists claim to have successfully used CRISPR to create monkeys with targeted mutations to prevent HIV infection in human cells. In 2015, Chinese scientists announced they successfully used CRISPR to create a genetically modified human embryo. In April 2016, the same Chinese researchers announced they have genetically modified another human embryo. But even before the Chinese announcement of the second modified embryo, in February 2016, British scientists were given permission by the countrys regulators to genetically modify human embryos by using CRISPR-Cas9 and related techniques. The embryos were to be destroyed after seven days due to ethical and legal restrictions. These developments showed clearly that soon, scientists will start editing the human gene, if permitted by governments. A private biotechnology company in the United States called Editas Medicine, has announced that by 2017, it will produce the first genetically modified human beings on Earth. The company plans to start the first trials soon. According to Editas Medicine, it is poised to become the first lab in the world to genetically edit the DNA of patients suffering from a genetic condition. Specifically, the company is concentrating on a blinding disorder known as leber congenital amaurosis. The disorder prevents normal function of the retina; the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eye. It appears at birth or in the first months of life and eventually, sufferers can go completely blind. Experts say the disease is inherited and is caused by defects in a genethat instructs the creation of a protein essential to vision. By using the CRISPR editing technique, scientists at Editas Medicine believe they can fix the mutated DNA. The Chief Executive of Editas Medicine, Katrine Bosley told a conference in the United States that the company hopes to start trial of the technology on blind patients in 2017. Although human gene editing is currently banned in the United States,Bosley said the company has applied for a special permission from the countrys health regulators. Editas Medicine (@editasmed) September 1, 2015 However, despite Editas Medicines hope to start using the technology on humans, some concerned scientists and observers have expressed worry on the technology. This is because the technology fundamentally changes a persons genetic code, which can then be passed down to offspring. Even CRISPR advocates have admitted that it could have unintended consequences for other parts of the genome, and could lead to designer babies. Designer babies are babies whose genetic make-up has been selected, in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to ensure that a particular gene is present. CRISPR is a hugely exciting technology and it undoubtedly has great potential that is attracting the attention of researchers around the world. If the potential of CRISPR is to be realized then the technology needs to be thoroughly explored through high quality biomedical research that is subjected to ethical approval and peer review. Otherwise there is a risk that families desperate for cures will be vulnerable to plausible offers from over-enthusiastic advocates for the technology, Alastair Kent of the Genetic Alliance said. Some observers also say scientists should avoid even attempting to lax jurisdictions the technology for clinical application in humans until the full implications of the technology are discussed among scientific and governmental organizations. Also, some scientists who support basic research on CRISPR say they do not see the technology as developed enough for any clinical use in making heritable changes to humans. You want to support Anonymous Independent Investigative News? Please, follow us on Twitter:Follow @AnonymousNewsHQ This article (Genetically Modified Human Beings Could Exist by 2017, Researchers Raise Concerns [Video]) is afree and open source. You have permission to republish this article under aCreative Commonslicense with attribution to the author andAnonHQ.com. And the people providing funding will no doubt be the usual cast of characters: Bill Gates All of which have assumed the role of God. Imagine the ticket price these oligarchs would charge to escape the Matrix?pay me now or pay me later hahaha!. Genetically modified humans already exist. Thirty nine million prescriptions per year for the last 30 years of fluoride enhanced quinolones have permanently altered your gut microbiome [ie your gut immune system second brain]. The manufacturers BRAG on their websites that FQs work so much better because they ALTER THE DNA OF BACTERIA AT THE POINT OF REPLICATION There are more bacterial cells in the human body than human cells. Now the good bacteria can no longer replicate either. Turns out FQs attach to EVERY cell disrupting the recovery process. This causes connective tissue disorders, digestive issues, insomnia, depression ,anxiety, permanent peripheral neuropathy additionally in litigation for delayed retinal detachment and aortic aneurism aortic dissection I would think theyre already doing it. First theyll be after supersoldiers, probably some with the eyes of a big cat so they can see in the dark, others with the eyes of a bird of prey so they can see long distances. But that might alter their brain structure to deal with the extra data so they may have odd-shaped heads. They would certainly have odd-shaped heads if some were bred with a bats echo location so they can see in pitch black; the areas of the brain dealing with hearing would become very large. And theyd require a different-shaped throat, tongue and palate so they may be incapable of speech etc. Really weird knock-on stuff as one part of the body has to alter to deal with another organ not natural to us. All patented, all grotesque. All of them owned by someone. The ultimate property. Another useful addition for some might be two thumbs on each hand. Imagine what a fighter pilot or worker drone could do with those. you forgot about 2 peckers (lol) Youre right. Supersoldiers are what the funders have in mind. But not all for warfare; most are for passive, controlled obedience to THEM. I have met the Xmen and they are us. I would like bigger boobs and firmer, getting older. We already have pretty much completed Orwells 1984 surveillance state. Now it is time for Huxleys manufactured deltas, alphas et al Brave New World. How many times has our evil government murdered, maimed or harmed us by using us as guinea pigs without our knowledge or informed consent? Here we go again from 1984 to Brave New World. To me it is telling or revealing that chimera based genetic manipulation is trying to supplant the activation of dormant human dna as the preferred method of ascension to becoming more human. Likewise gene editing on similar grounds holds real promise. 