Amazing ......

[pbmus]

Link to tweet

[hookaleft]

1. Wow

Science

[ancianita]

3. About time, really. The US's own Jennifer Doudna & France's Emmanuelle Charpentier got the Nobel Prize in Chemistry

for building the CRISPR(Doudna)Cas9(Charpentier). Even the male chauvinist scientists have now shut up about how 'women can't do chemistry... women can't do science.'

Next up should be other inherited diseases or malformities..

[Renew Deal]

2. That's interesting

Who does it help? Is it a cure or preventative?

[ancianita]

4. CRISPRCas9 a codebreaking, pathbreaking technology that can do both.

It's cheaper as a preventative for inherited DNA birth defects. It's already been used to cure sickle cell anemia, and could be used for other blood diseases, since blood are rebuilt at all ages. But how it's used in treatments will take time.

[a kennedy]

5. OMGAWD!!!!!! This is freaking astounding!!!!!

[spanone]

6. K&R

[hellofriend]

7. I do not celebrate using a scientific advancement in this way

Please pause to consider how much poorer a world entirely bereft of the beautiful spirits and remarkable gifts of people with Down syndrome would be. Such a loss would create what to me would feel like a nightmarish emptiness. Unable to conceive a child, my husband and I chose to adopt an infant with Down syndrome. The joy he has brought to us and to our community for 35 years now has far outweighed any challenges caused by an extra chromosome. Families who come to welcome the addition of a member with Down syndrome most often grow to see his or her presence as an irreplaceable blessing. It is my heartfelt hope that this world learns to value and celebrate the variety of humanity created in God's image.

[Trueblue Texan]

8. I completely respect your opinion, but not everyone has the resources or strength to raise a child with special needs.

There is so much more to say about this, but it is too late at night. I'm going to bookmark it and come back tomorrow.

[Ilsa]

9. I'm raising a child, now adult, with severe

autism. It hasn't been for the faint of heart. I have the healed broken bones, bruises, broken dishes, broken big appliances, and thoroughly trashed bedroom suite (drywall, doors, cabinetry, etc) to show for it. It's been almost impossible to get an aide (he requires two). And social services are scant, depending on where you live. I'd rather my son be able to take care of himself, earn a living, etc. I wish CRISPR could help him.

I'm happy for you, and glad that your child is good natured. But you cannot assume that about all Down Syndrome children. My banker said his DS son is a mean grumpy kid the first half of the day.