Study: Americans Approve of Gene Editing Only for Health Purposes
A public opinion study says that most Americans would accept the use of gene-editing technology to create babies who are protected from some diseases.
But the same study finds that Americans do not support changing the genetic structure, or DNA, of children so that they are faster, taller or more intelligent.
The research was carried out by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
It comes after a Chinese scientist claimed in November to have created the world's first gene-edited human babies. The opinion study suggests that many people are concerned about what gene-editing means for the future.
More than 1,000 people were questioned in the study. The researchers said Americans value the medical promise of technology that could change the genetic qualities human parents pass on to their children. But they worry whether it will be used in a moral way.
Jaron Keener works at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 31-year-old told the Associated Press that he opposes "rich people being able to create designer babies."
However, Keener said he would support gene editing in embryos to prevent diseases that have no cure. He said that his mother has lupus, a disease that may have both environmental and genetic causes.
"I've been around somebody with a chronic illness and I've seen the toll that has taken, not just on her life, but the life of my family," he said.
Gene editing takes out a part of DNA to remove, replace or repair a gene.
Changes to adult cells only affect the person being treated. But editing genes in eggs, sperm or embryos can change the resulting child in ways that can be passed to future generations.
Because of its important effects, international science guidelines say gene-editing should not yet be tested in human pregnancies. Scientists say more laboratory research is needed to prove whether or not it is safe.
The AP-NORC study suggests that 71 percent of Americans approve of using gene editing to prevent deadly diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.
The study found that 65 percent of Americans would approve of using gene editing to prevent conditions such as blindness. There also was support for using the technology to reduce the risk of diseases that might develop later in life, such as cancer.
However, 66 percent of Americans oppose using gene editing to change qualities such as intelligence or athletic ability. They also oppose changing physical qualities such as eye color or height, the study found.
Dr. Robert Klitzman studies biological research rules. He noted that, if fertility clinics start to edit the genes of embryos, there will be hard choices to make about what conditions can be changed.
What if scientists could identify genes involved with depression or autism or high body weight? Would they be acceptable to edit? "It's one thing to look at the extremes of fatal diseases versus cosmetic things, but in the middle are going to be these very different issues," Klitzman said.
More Americans oppose than approve of government support for testing gene-editing technology on human embryos. About 25 percent of them have no opinion.
Jaron Keener, the Pittsburgh museum worker, said that he opposes the research because he fears it would not be used only to fight disease.
"I just don't have a lot of confidence people wouldn't use it for their own gain," he said.
The study suggests a lack of trust in the technology. About one-third of Americans think gene editing will be used before it is fully tested. Many scientists believe this has already happened in China.
Nearly 90 percent of the people in the study thought that the technology will be used for the wrong reasons.
I'm Pete Musto.
1.public opinion 民意调查
He mobilized public opinion all over the world against hydrogen-bomb tests.
2.a lack of 缺乏
There is a lack of confidence in the government's ability to manage the economy.
3.approve of 支持
Her parents did not approve of her decision.
4.future generations 后代
Future generations are going to think that we were a pretty boring lot.
5.The research was carried out by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
carried out 实施
Two independent studies have been carried out.
Forensic experts carried out a painstaking search of the debris.
6.Gene editing takes out a part of DNA to remove, replace or repair a gene.
takes out 拿出；取出
You filter the coffee through this special paper and it takes out the bitterness.
He takes out your knees and ruins your life and anybody you know.
去年11月，中国科学家声称“造出”了全球首例基因编辑人类婴儿 。该民调表明，很多人担心基因编辑对未来的影响 。
1000多人接受了这项调查的问访 。研究人员表示，美国人很看重这项科技带来的医疗前景，它可能会改变父母遗传给子女的遗传特质 。但是，他们也担心这项科技的应用能否合乎道德伦理 。
贾隆·基纳（Jaron Keener）在宾夕法尼亚州匹兹堡市的卡内基自然历史博物馆任职 。31岁的他告诉美联社，他反对“富人能造出经过设计的婴儿 。”
然而，基纳表示，他支持编辑胚胎基因来预防那些无法治愈的疾病 。他说，他的母亲患有红斑狼疮——该疾病可能同时有环境和遗传两个诱因 。
由于它的重大影响，国际科学指南称，基因编辑不应在人类孕育期间进行测试 。科学家们指出，需要进行更多实验室研究来证实它的安全性 。
罗伯特·克利兹曼博士（Dr. Robert Klitzman）研究生物学研究规则 。他指出，如果生育诊所开始编辑胚胎的基因，将会很难抉择可以改变的状况 。
这项研究表明，人们对这项技术缺乏信任 。大约三分之一的美国人认为，基因编辑会在完全测试前应用 。很多科学家认为，中国已经出现了先例 。