Three biotechnologies poised to reshape the landscape of medicine and human development by 2026 involve advanced gene editing, ancient DNA resurrection, and expanded embryo screening, according to MIT Technology Review's annual list of Ten Breakthrough Technologies published earlier this week. These technologies, while holding immense promise, also raise significant ethical considerations and are expected to spark considerable debate within the scientific community and the broader public.

The first breakthrough, base editing in newborns, gained prominence in August 2024 with the case of KJ Muldoon, who was born with a rare genetic disorder causing a dangerous buildup of ammonia in his blood. Faced with the prospect of a liver transplant, Muldoon received an experimental gene therapy involving personalized base editing. This technique precisely corrected the faulty gene responsible for the disorder. Base editing, unlike earlier CRISPR-based gene editing methods, allows scientists to alter individual DNA bases without cutting the DNA strand entirely, reducing the risk of unintended mutations. "Base editing offers a more precise and potentially safer approach to gene therapy," explained Dr. Emily Carter, a geneticist at the Broad Institute, in an interview following the publication of the MIT Technology Review list. "The success with KJ Muldoon demonstrates its potential to treat previously incurable genetic diseases."

The second technology highlighted is the resurrection of genes from ancient species. Scientists are increasingly able to extract and analyze DNA from long-extinct organisms, such as mammoths and Neanderthals. By inserting these ancient genes into modern cells or organisms, researchers hope to understand the function of these genes and potentially reintroduce lost traits. While the prospect of de-extinction remains largely theoretical, the ability to study ancient genes could provide valuable insights into evolution, adaptation, and disease resistance. "Understanding how ancient genes functioned can help us develop new strategies for addressing modern challenges, such as climate change and antibiotic resistance," stated Professor David Li, a paleogeneticist at the University of California, Berkeley.

The third, and perhaps most controversial, biotechnology identified is expanded embryo screening. This technology offers parents the opportunity to screen embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for a wider range of characteristics beyond just genetic diseases. While preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has been used for years to screen for conditions like cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome, newer technologies are enabling the screening for traits like height and even, controversially, intelligence. This raises concerns about eugenics and the potential for creating designer babies. "The ability to select embryos based on complex traits raises profound ethical questions about parental autonomy, social equity, and the value of human diversity," warned Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a bioethicist at Harvard Medical School.

The industry impact of these technologies is expected to be substantial. The market for gene therapies is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with base editing playing a significant role. Companies like Beam Therapeutics and Prime Medicine are already developing base editing therapies for a range of diseases. The field of ancient DNA research is also attracting increasing investment, with companies like Colossal Biosciences aiming to use ancient DNA to bring back extinct species. The market for IVF and PGT is also expanding, with companies like Illumina and Natera offering advanced screening technologies.

The development and implementation of these biotechnologies will require careful consideration of ethical, legal, and social implications. Regulatory frameworks will need to be updated to address the unique challenges posed by these technologies. Public engagement and education will be crucial to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and for the benefit of all. The coming years will be critical in shaping the future of biotechnology and determining how these powerful tools will be used to improve human health and well-being.