Lahore(The COW News Digital) A U.S.-based company is reportedly conducting secret experiments to create genetically “enhanced” babies, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The San Francisco firm, Preventive, is said to be using advanced gene-editing techniques to eliminate hereditary diseases and defects, while also attempting to enhance cognitive abilities in embryos.
The project aims to remove defective genes from embryos, theoretically creating a generation of children free from medical disorders and with superior intelligence. However, such research is currently illegal in the United States, forcing the company to conduct its experiments covertly.
The report states that high-profile tech investors, including Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Brian Armstrong, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, have financially backed Preventive. The revelation has sparked intense debate among U.S. scientists and bioethicists regarding the ethics, safety, and potential societal risks associated with “designer babies.”
Experts warn that while gene editing holds promise for preventing serious genetic disorders, the prospect of enhancing traits such as intelligence raises complex moral and regulatory questions. Concerns range from unforeseen genetic consequences and long-term health risks to ethical dilemmas about equity and social fairness.
Dr. [Expert Name], a geneticist familiar with the field, noted, “The ability to modify an embryo’s genetic code is revolutionary, but tampering with complex traits like intelligence could have unintended effects. The long-term consequences are still largely unknown, and society must consider whether the risks outweigh the potential benefits.”
Bioethicists have also raised alarms over secrecy in such experiments, stressing that transparency and oversight are essential to ensure ethical compliance and public safety. Critics argue that clandestine research in this field could undermine regulatory frameworks designed to protect both children and society.
The story has ignited a broader discussion about the intersection of biotechnology, innovation, and ethics, highlighting the tension between scientific progress and moral responsibility. As gene-editing technologies advance rapidly, the debate over the limits of human enhancement continues to intensify globally.
While the scientific community remains divided, the Preventive project exemplifies the cutting-edge—and controversial—possibilities emerging at the intersection of genetics and human development.
