Artificial Intelligence Is the Next Big Player in Genomics BioSpace

The world of genomics has made abrupt strides in the past several years, with the first CRISPR-edited babies being born just a few weeks ago. Using advanced CRISPR technology, Scientist Jiankui He'announced that twin girls with an edited gene that reduces the risk of contracting HIV "came crying into this world as healthy as any other babies a few weeks ago."' The announcement was met with great backlash, sparking'outrage from many researchers and ethicists who say implanting edited embryos to create babies is premature and exposes the children to unnecessary health risks. Opponents also fear the creation of "designer babies," children edited to enhance their intelligence, athleticism or other traits.' CRISPR technology is used in editing human genomes.