Controversial project could create human DNA from scratch
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Scientists aim to build full synthetic human chromosome with £10m
- A controversial project to create the building blocks of human life, specifically synthetic human DNA, has commenced with an initial £10m grant from the Wellcome Trust.
- Scientists aim to build a full synthetic human chromosome within five to ten years, with the potential to transform understanding of human health and develop treatments for incurable diseases.
- The project, led by Professor Jason Chin, will allow researchers to create parts of DNA to study how genes regulate bodies, with all work confined to test tubes and petri dishes.
- Critics, including Professor Bill Earnshaw, fear the research could lead to enhanced humans or biological weapons, despite assurances that no synthetic life will be created.
- A dedicated social science project, led by Professor Joy Zhang, will run concurrently to gather public and expert views on the technology and address potential concerns.