UK Scientists Aim to Build Synthetic Human Chromosome

UK scientists, funded by a £10 million grant from the Wellcome Trust, have launched the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG) with the goal of constructing the first synthetic human chromosome within five to ten years. Unlike traditional gene editing, this project seeks to build entire chromosomes from scratch, marking a significant departure in genetic research. Proponents argue that the initiative could revolutionize biotechnology and medicine by enabling designer cell-based therapies and virus-resistant tissues. The project has sparked ethical concerns, including fears of misuse, 'designer babies,' and long-term societal effects. Independent experts have expressed skepticism about the technical feasibility and warn about possible societal risks. The SynHG project builds on previous synthetic biology achievements but faces unprecedented scientific and ethical challenges.