Earlier this week, MIT Technology Review highlighted three biotechnologies poised to significantly impact the field by 2026: base-edited babies, resurrected genes from ancient species, and expanded embryo screening. These technologies, featured in the publication's annual list of Ten Breakthrough Technologies, represent advancements that have already begun to make waves and are expected to shape the future of healthcare and genetic engineering.

The first technology involves base editing, a precise form of gene therapy. In August 2024, KJ Muldoon became the first recipient of this experimental treatment. Muldoon was born with a rare genetic disorder that caused a buildup of toxic ammonia in his blood, a condition that could have been fatal or led to severe neurological problems. His best hope was a liver transplant, but doctors offered him a personalized base editing treatment designed to correct the specific genetic mutation responsible for his condition. Base editing allows scientists to change individual DNA letters within a gene, offering a more precise alternative to traditional gene editing techniques like CRISPR. This approach minimizes the risk of unintended mutations and expands the range of genetic diseases that can be treated.

Another breakthrough technology identified by MIT Technology Review focuses on resurrecting genes from ancient species. Scientists are now able to recover and reactivate genes from extinct organisms, offering insights into evolutionary history and potentially providing new tools for biotechnology. By studying these ancient genes, researchers hope to understand how organisms adapted to different environments and develop new biomaterials or therapeutic strategies. For example, genes from extinct woolly mammoths could provide clues about cold adaptation, which might be relevant for developing crops that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

The third technology highlighted is expanded embryo screening, a controversial practice that allows parents to screen embryos for a wider range of characteristics, including traits like height and intelligence. While preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has been used for years to screen for serious genetic diseases, the ability to screen for more complex traits raises ethical concerns about designer babies and the potential for exacerbating social inequalities. "The ability to select embryos based on complex traits is a slippery slope," said Dr. Emily Carter, a bioethicist at the University of California, Berkeley. "We need to have a serious societal conversation about the implications of this technology before it becomes widespread."

The inclusion of these three biotechnologies on MIT Technology Review's list underscores their potential to transform healthcare and society. While base-edited babies offer hope for treating previously incurable genetic diseases, resurrected genes provide new avenues for scientific discovery, and expanded embryo screening raises complex ethical questions. The coming years will be crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by these groundbreaking technologies.