Precise genome editing of human embryos triggers praise and alarm The ‘base editing’ technique that researchers used is far from ready for the clinic, but critics worry that it will spur a rush to commercialize the approach. By Mohana Basu, Edward Chen & Heidi Ledford

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01827-8?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_campaign=5363efeb1f-nature-briefing-daily-20260608&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-33f35e09ea-50432164 Researchers say that they have used a precise genome-editing technique called base editing to alter the genome of human embryos. The announcement has prompted excitement and caution from scientists and bioethicists. Many say that the work is an impressive step towards clinicians being able to fix disease-causing mutations in embryos. But others worry that the technology could be used to try to create embryos with traits such as superior intelligence.