Human gene editing 'could be allowed to tackle diseases'

Many critics argue that such a move would be the start of a slippery slope leading to "designer" babies with selected features such as blue eyes, high intelligence or sporting prowess.

Modifications to inherited human DNA could be permitted in future in order to treat or prevent diseases that may be passed onto future generations, two major US scientific institutions have said.

The report on gene editing is a landmark since it amounts to an official sanctioning of medical research that aims to add, remove or replace DNA in human egg cells, sperm or embryos.