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WASHINGTON (AP) — Rewriting your DNA is getting closer to reality. A revolutionary technology is opening new frontiers for genetic engineering.

Hundreds of scientists and ethicists from around the world are gathering in Washington this week to debate the boundaries of human gene editing. There’s worry that the fast-moving research may outpace safety and ethics scrutiny.

It’s a question that gained urgency after Chinese researchers made the first attempt at editing genes in human embryos. The laboratory experiment didn’t work well but did raise the prospect of one day passing modified DNA to future generations.

The molecular biologist who co-invented the most-used gene-editing tool is calling on scientists, policymakers and the public to determine the right balance in how it’s eventually used and will be discussed at this week’s gathering.

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