The term genetic engineering has been around since the 1970s, but it is only in the past few years that researchers have developed the tools to allow them to engineer the genome with the precision that they had originally envisaged. As scientists come together this December to discuss editing the human germ line, this Nature Outlook looks at the risks and benefits of genome editing.
Nature is pleased to acknowledge financial support from KISCO Ltd. in association with EditForce Inc. in producing this Outlook. The sponsor retains sole responsibility for the following messages.
The development of civilization has progressed in tandem with the development of materials. Through the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages to the modern era of new materials, our way of life has progressed in step with the materials we have used, leading to the emergence of new materials bringing innovation and change. KISCO Ltd. was formed in 1921 with the aim of establishing a role as an intermediary serving our customers with access to advanced materials. Since then, KISCO has provided the foundations for new product development through corporate activities that take advantage of our experience and achievements as a specialist trading company supplying the advanced materials of each era. Nowadays, the scope of our activities extends to not only the provision of consulting services for materials selection, manufacturing processes but also to encompassing the supply of products developed by ourselves that meet the material needs of our customers. KISCO produces genuine value by providing maximum satisfaction to our customers as a as a broad-based provider of materials solutions that give due consideration to product quality, cost, and the environment.
For the future, KISCO intends to contribute to society by continuing to pursue the endless potential inherent in materials with the aim of "building a better tomorrow" while supporting industrial progress through collaboration with our customers.
EditForce Inc. was established in May 2015 through funding by KISCO Ltd. EditForce Inc. provides an alternative option to genome editing and a novel tool for versatile editing of RNA molecules at the genomic scale.