British researcher can manipulate embryos

london - The British government on Monday authorized the genetic manipulation of human embryos for research purposes. Critics fear that the technology will ultimately lead people to their babies will design.

Researcher Kathy Niakan, which at the Francis Crick Institute in London doing research on stem cells, had applied for the license for the research. She said that she will look at her research,, the first seven days of the development of a fertilized egg, from a single cell to 250 cells'.

Niakan stressed that its investigation is not directed to use genetically manipulated embryos for reproduction. She wants the knowledge of how embryos develop, increase. In time, this may lead to new insights in the treatment of infertile men, according Niakan.

David King of the group Human Genetics Alert warns that Niakans plans " the first step towards the legalization of genetically engineered babies ".