Will the first gene-edited baby be born in 2016? Lets hope not. It is far from clear it can be done safely -although technically it is now possible. Gene editing with the new method known as CRISPR is so cheap, easy and effective that a few scientists with the appropriate expertise could tweak one or more genes in a human embryo before it is implanted in a woman's womb. What 2016 will undoubtedly bring is a lot more gene-edited organisms. CRISPR works well in everything from butterflies to monkeys. It has already been used to create extra-muscular beagle dogs and sheep; long-haired goats; and pigs immune to common diseases. Next up could be hypoallergenic pet dogs and cats, cattle resistant to TB, or chickens that don't get bird flu.
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