China & US could be in a CRISPR space-race: New Scientist
The first human test of CRISPR has taken place in Chengdu leading analysts to predict a gene-editing "Sputnik 2.0" space race between China and the US. Trials for the gene-editing technique are expected to begin in the US by early 2017, but Chinese oncologists have already used the therapy to treat a man's aggressive lung cancer. Scientists have a “wish list” of medical applications such as the eradication of rare genetic diseases, that can only be accomplished with the technology.
A biomedical duel seems to be building Ng Han Guan/AFP/Getty Images

This week it emerged that the first human test of the controversial gene-editing technique CRISPR had taken place at West China Hospital in Chengdu, where oncologists used it to treat a man with an aggressive lung cancer.

Similar trials are expected to start in early 2017 in the US, sparking speculation that the two countries are embarking on a “Sputnik 2.0”-style space race for genetic manipulation. But is this a responsible way to frame the development of a technology that is so …