Tag

Ethical Standards

All articles tagged with #ethical standards

science-and-technology1 year ago

"Controversial Scientist Resumes Genome-Editing Research After Jail Release"

He Jiankui, the controversial Chinese scientist who was jailed for creating genetically modified babies, has resumed his research into human genome embryo editing after his release from prison. He claims that his new experiments comply with ethical standards and will focus on treating rare genetic disorders. While expressing some regrets about the haste of his previous work, He remains resolute about its safety and validity, stating that the children born from his experiments have shown no signs of illness or off-target genetic changes. He also pledged not to create any more modified humans but believes that society will eventually accept genetic engineering of this kind in the future.

science-and-technology2 years ago

Redefining the Human Embryo: Keeping Pace with Technological Progress

Scientists propose a new definition for the human embryo that focuses on its potential to develop into a fetus, rather than how it was formed. The proposal comes in response to the rapid advancements in synthetic embryology, where scientists are able to create embryo-like structures in the lab. The new definition suggests that embryo models could be considered embryos if they have the potential to survive up to eight weeks into a pregnancy. The lack of legal clarity around embryos and embryo models raises concerns about funding, public backlash, and potential legal consequences for scientists. The proposal also includes a developmental Turing test to determine if an embryo model has the potential to become a living person. The authors hope to raise awareness and initiate discussions among policymakers, scientific societies, and ethics committees.

technology2 years ago

Experts Rally Behind AI as a Force for Good, Dismissing Fears of Evil Robot Overlords

Over 1,300 technologists, including business founders, CEOs, and academics, have signed an open letter countering the belief that artificial intelligence (A.I.) poses an existential threat to humanity. They argue that A.I. has the potential to be a transformative force for good if critical decisions about its development and use are made correctly. The signatories emphasize the need for professional and technical standards, international collaboration, and strong regulation to ensure responsible A.I. development. They reject the idea of a "nightmare scenario of evil robot overlords" and instead envision A.I. as a trusted co-pilot in various domains such as learning, work, healthcare, and entertainment.