BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhuanet) -- News that U.S. scientists have for the first time produced genetically modified human embryo is stirring controversy in the communities of scientists, ethicists, and government officials. 

    The GM embryo was created by a team from Cornell University in New York who wanted to study how early cells and diseases develop. It was destroyed after five days.

    The study was presented last fall at a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, but didn't draw widespread public attention at the time. The result however was reported later by The Sunday Times of London.

News that U.S. scientists have for the first time produced genetically modified human embryo is stirring controversy in the communities of scientists, ethicists, and government officials. (Photo: Agencies) Photo Gallery>>>

    The technology could potentially be used to correct genes which cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis, haemophilia and even cancer. In theory, any gene that has been identified could be added to embryos.

    The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which will have its second reading this week, will make it legal to create GM embryos in Britain, but it also warned that such controversial experiments cause "large ethical and public interest issues."

    The bill will allow GM embryos to be created only for research and will ban implantation in the womb.

    Some watchdog groups say genetically altered human embryo is a step toward creating "designer babies."

    They worry that scientists may insert particular genes into embryos to produce babies with desired traits like height, intelligence, hair colour, intelligence or athletic ability, which would create an unequal society where some people are genetically enriched while others would be considered inferior.

    But an author of the study said the work was focused on stem cells. He noted that the researchers used an abnormal embryo that could never have developed into a baby anyway.  

    "None of us wants to make designer babies," said Dr. Zev Rosenwaks, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. 

    (Agencies)