Well I don’t think anyone has created a mutation in a human to positively affect him/her. But discovering mutations in people that are associated with certain characteristics has proven to be really useful. For instance, if someone has breast cancer, there are different treatments that can be used. Scientists look for specific mutations in the person. If they find those mutations, it means that certain treatments would not work on them, so they try something different. This can save lives since the patient is not put on the wrong treatment for months, while the cancer keeps growing. There are lots of examples of this. You should look into it a bit more.
In science mutations are used all the time to create novelty. For example, a protein that makes it possible to visualise other proteins under the microscope has been mutated to be more effective, so we can see other proteins better now, so this has made research better and thus indirectly positively affected humans.
WE are now talking about new breeding or gene editing technology. This could revolutionise biology as we know it. The concern here is that we can potentially create designer babies. It is imperative that this is not allowed. Under EU law it is not permitted but who knows what might happen in the future?
I agree with Emma, Sebastian and Thomas on this one, there is amazing potential for improving peoples’ lives but there are ethical concerns about how far is too far.
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