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Columbia Scientists Perfect Base Editing in Human Embryos

7/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Columbia University scientists edited DNA of early human embryos with unprecedented accuracy using base-editing technology.
Geneticist Dieter Egli led the study and reported that the method replaces individual genetic letters without CRISPR-type damage.
The researchers posted the paper online and it is under review for journal publication.
Egli called for public debate on embryonic DNA editing, noting the work is not ready for clinical use and many safety questions remain.

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Story summary

Columbia University scientists edited DNA of early human embryos with unprecedented accuracy using base-editing technology.
Geneticist Dieter Egli led the study and reported that the method replaces individual genetic letters without CRISPR-type damage.
The researchers posted the paper online and it is under review for journal publication.
Egli called for public debate on embryonic DNA editing, noting the work is not ready for clinical use and many safety questions remain.