Earlier this week, MIT Technology Review released its annual list of Ten Breakthrough Technologies, highlighting advancements poised to significantly impact various sectors, including biotechnology. Among the featured biotech innovations expected to shape the landscape by 2026 are advancements in gene editing for newborns, the resurrection of ancient genes, and controversial embryo screening technologies.

The inclusion of base editing for newborns stems from a groundbreaking case in August 2024, when KJ Muldoon was born with a rare genetic disorder leading to a buildup of toxic ammonia in his blood. Facing a potentially fatal condition and the prospect of neurological damage, Muldoon received an experimental gene therapy involving personalized base editing. This treatment aimed to correct the specific genetic mutation responsible for his condition, offering an alternative to a liver transplant. Base editing, a more precise form of gene editing than CRISPR-Cas9, allows scientists to change individual DNA letters without cutting the entire DNA strand, minimizing the risk of unintended consequences. The success of such treatments could revolutionize the approach to treating genetic disorders in newborns, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong management of symptoms.

Another breakthrough technology identified is the resurrection of genes from ancient species. Scientists are exploring the possibility of reintroducing genes from extinct animals into living organisms, with potential applications ranging from enhancing biodiversity to developing new biomaterials. While still in its early stages, this technology could provide insights into the evolution of life and offer novel solutions to modern challenges. For example, researchers are studying genes from woolly mammoths to understand their adaptations to cold climates, which could inform efforts to protect endangered species in changing environments.

The third biotech innovation highlighted is embryo screening for characteristics like height and intelligence. This controversial technology allows parents to screen embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for genetic predispositions to certain traits. While proponents argue that this technology empowers parents to make informed decisions about their children's health and well-being, critics raise ethical concerns about the potential for eugenics and the creation of designer babies. The availability of such screening technologies could lead to significant societal debates about the limits of genetic engineering and the definition of human perfection.

These three technologies represent a diverse range of advancements in biotechnology, each with the potential to transform healthcare, environmental conservation, and reproductive medicine. While the ethical and societal implications of these technologies remain under discussion, their inclusion in MIT Technology Review's list underscores their potential to shape the future of biotechnology in the coming years.