The Chinese genetics research on genetically modifying human embryo may be close to attaining success, but now the West thinks China has crossed the ethical boundaries for modifying something that could raise concerns and ignite ethical issues in the society.

In April, Chinese scientists unveiled to the world its latest research on genetics. They have genetically modified human embryos. While this may look like a smart move from China, the nation has actually received a different response since the study was carried out less than a month after U.S. scientists lobbied for the world not to modify human embryos, reports QUARTZ.

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The technology used in modifying embryos is called Crisper-Cas9 and it's actually very precise in enhancing the genetic make-up pf the embryo. It is designed with a find-and-replace tool that is programmable and enables scientists to identify poor genetic sequences in cells and replace them with good ones.

While the technology is easy to use and cheap for the most part, West scientists now fear that what Chinese scientists have created will lead to social upheaval and stir debate on the ethical concerns over human genetics enhancement.

The embattled Chinese scientists, led by 34-year-old Huang Junjiu, primarily conducted the experiment in hopes of fixing faulty genes in the human embryos that code for beta-thalassemia, a blood disorder. 

Defending their genetics experiment, the team of Chinese scientists said there is nothing wrong with carrying out a genetic modification experiment in abnormal embryos that are bound to be discarded one way or another, New York Times has learned.

The Chinese genetics experiment actually failed in 85 human embryos tested, but despite the outcome, West scientists believe the Chinese scientists have crossed the ethical line and have given other scientists a moving force to conduct further experimentation on human embryos, even the viable ones.

Amid the commotion the research has made, Chinese University of Hong Kong Center of Bioethics Director Huso Yi said, "The consensus among the scientific community is, 'not for now.'" He then added, "I don't think China wants to take a moratorium. People are saying they can't stop the train of mainland Chinese genetics because it's going too fast." 

Meanwhile, the notorious study is clearly one evidence that China's scientific research program is becoming more and more competitive mainly due to the fact that the nation is funding this field quite well. From 2005-2013, China allotted $191 billion to research and development, according to Genetic Literacy Project.

University of Sussex Professor James Wilsdon opined, "The level of available resources is incredible in terms of the freedom, the flexibility that gives key leading Chinese scientists to move very, very fast on a given research track if a new opportunity arises." 

TagsGenetics, Genetically Modified Humans, Human Embryo, Chinese Scientists, Ethics