Groundbreaking Project Launched to Build Human DNA Artificially!

The field of genetic technology has undergone significant advancements in the last several decades, spearheading the development of novel treatment techniques and therapeutic drugs.

Much of the use of genetic engineering hinges on our ability to decode and understand our DNA. Scientists in the UK have undertaken a project that could enhance our understanding of the human genome and revolutionise treatment.

The Synthetic Human Genome (SynHG) project, led by Professor Jason Chin at MRC’s Lab of Molecular Biology in Cambridge (LMB), will synthesise the entire human genome from scratch.

This endeavour could lead to radical new therapies and cure diseases with no present treatment, ushering medical care in a new era.

Testing Small Bits of the Human Genome in Skin Cells

To provide a simplified understanding of the structure and organisation of human DNA, one must appreciate that it is organised in the form of microscopic structures called chromosomes.

Researchers of the SynHG project will construct small sections of human chromosomes and test them in skin cells. However, this will not be an easy task due to the sheer complexity of the human genome.

Speaking of the challenges associated with the project and its potential implications, Dr Julian Sale, a group leader at LMB, stated:

“There’s an awful lot of the genome, sometimes called the dark matter of the genome, that we don’t know what it does. The idea is that if you can build genomes successfully, you can fully understand them.”

This knowledge will equip scientists to devise treatments for diseases that are poorly treated at present. Another possibility is the creation of cells immune to attack by viruses.

Considering the potential ethical and moral dilemmas associated with building the human genome, the SynHG will have ethical oversight from Professor Joy Zhang and his team at the University of Kent.

Rise of Ethical and Environmental Consequences 

China’s team has already successfully created the genome of E. coli, a bacterium. Therefore, it is possible to create bacteria that break down plastic waste and clear up oil spills. 

However, these organisms pose a significant threat to the environment, potentially threatening entire habitats and ecosystems.

There is also the ethical concern of “designer babies.” Parents could have the power to shape their unborn children to their preferences, raising questions about the degree of control they should have in such cases.

Another concern relates to the idea that celebrities and prominent celebrities might start licensing their genome, giving rise to a legal and ethical debate.

Fortunately, the SynHG project does have an ethical team to address potential concerns, demonstrating much foresight in the researchers.

Only time will reveal the true capabilities of the project. Understanding the human genome could be beneficial, but might lead to unintended consequences if such technologies land in the wrong hands.

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