A British scientist has been given the go-ahead to create the world’s first genetically modified baby and has begun preparatory work following the decision. Dr Kathy Niakan, of the Francis Crick Institute, will be allowed to genetically modify human embryos, using gene editing techniques on donated human embryos by fertility treatment patients. Telegraph.co.uk reports: Despite the approval, the start of research may still be months away due to the difficulties of obtaining sufficient embryos. The controversial project is thought to mark the second time the procedure will be undertaken. Scientists in China, who carried out the first experiment but are not believed to have been approved by a regulator, were met with widespread criticism. Dr Niakan, speaking at a briefing in central London in January, said she hoped the research would give hope to prospective patients. “We would really like to understand the genes that are needed for an embryo to develop into a healthy baby,” she said. “Miscarriage and infertility are extremely common but they are not very well understood. We believe that this research could improve our understanding of the very earliest stages of human life.” Around 50 per cent of eggs do not fertilise properly and scientists [...]