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In November 2018 a Chinese scientist admitted he had edited the genes of two embryos creating the first ever genetically modified babies. It sparked headlines around the world about ‘designer babies’. It’s long been a part of science fiction - the idea of an elite master race of genetically modified children. Born perfect and set apart from normal humans they evoke an almost primal fear of inequality and inferiority. But how close are we really to this idea of ‘designer babies’? Dr Fyodor Urnov a geneticist speaks to Michael Blastland on the complications of changing genes.

(image: human embryos in a petri dish. Credit: BSIP/UIG/Getty Images)