How does the crispr research differ from the controversial work done in china

In humans, CRISPR research has been done in cells in the lab, model animals such as mice, and in a few cases for treating diseases.

To treat diseases in humans using CRISPR (which has only really been done in the last year or so), the cells that are a problem are edited (e.g. in blood disorders you can remove the cells, edit them, and put them back into the patient).

However, this work does not alter what we call the germline of the individual, that means, if the person who had a blood disease went on to have children, their gametes would still carry the original genes, not any edits (as these have been done in blood cells only)

The controversial work in China involved editing human embryos. That means that the entire genetic make up of that individual is altered, in every cell. This is controversial for a few reasons

We don't know if this is safe We don't know the long term effects of CRISPR on humansThe patients did not have a disease, instead they were (allegedly and potentially) made resistant to HIV. This is not the same as receiving treatment for a deadly diseaseIt was carried out against ethical guidelines

Might need you in a few weeks c:

Were is the question