Silicon Valley billionaires are once again chasing a future that makes the world pause. After exploring anti-aging tech, the latest obsession is even more jaw-dropping, the possibility of creating babies whose genes have been edited to remove serious diseases. And at the centre of this new storm are OpenAI chief Sam Altman and his husband, Oliver Mulherin, who have quietly funded a biotech startup that aims to rewrite the genetic code of embryos. Scientists, however, are warning: “This could be far more dangerous than it looks.” What is this secret project? A Wall Street Journal report says Altman, Mulherin, and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong are backing a startup called ‘Preventive’.The company is working on technology that might one day allow scientists to edit an embryo’s DNA so that a child is born free of inherited genetic disorders. Supporters call it a breakthrough that could stop diseases from passing through generations. Critics say it’s a path marked by risk, uncertainty, and significant ethical concerns. What are gene-edited or genetically engineered babies? Before a baby is born, its DNA carries traits and illnesses passed down from its parents. Many of these genetic diseases have no cure. Gene-editing tries to fix that by changing the embryo’s DNA before birth, often using tools like CRISPR. The goal is to remove the faulty gene so the child never develops that disease. But this isn’t as simple as “cut and paste.”Any edit becomes permanent and gets passed to future generations. A tiny mistake today could cause unknown problems decades later. Why scientists are worried Researchers fear that once this technology becomes possible, it could be misused. Some major concerns include: The shock of the first gene-edited babies born in China in 2018 pushed governments to tighten rules. Today, most countries ban or restrict embryo editing meant for pregnancy. Scientists repeatedly say the tech is “nowhere near safe for real-world use.” Why is Sam Altman’s startup still pursuing this Preventive says it wants to focus strictly on preventing serious genetic diseases. Its argument: if technology can stop families from suffering generation after generation, then research should continue, but responsibly.
The company insists it’s not trying to create enhanced or “customised” babies. Supporters believe strong regulations and transparency can keep the science in control. Still, even those who back the idea admit this is morally complicated ground, and moving too fast could lead to irreversible consequences. The big picture Gene-editing could transform medicine, but it also opens doors humanity may not be ready for. As Silicon Valley pushes forward, scientists are urging caution, reminding everyone that some experiments, once started, can’t be undone.
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