So I wanted to open this up for discussion. Swedish scientist is actually editing (altering) human embryo DNA. What do you think about this? (Look for the live stream in my answer.)

I'm pretty certain that this stuff and things like it have been going on for a while and just now the public hears about it. I guess I've read too many books and seen too many movies to not worry about a mistake ! Contribute ? I don't think I'm ready for that stuff. I'm glad I'm as old as I am. I'm open minded about it and they can try all they want but I sure hope things go well. Mistakes ??

First, we should keep in mind the law of unintended consequences. 

Second, we should consider the defective genes that could be weeded out of our gene pool.  Cancers eliminated, susceptibility to certain disease removed, Hemophilia, tay-sachs and a host of others just  gone. 

Third, I've read enough SF imagining the results of such gene tampering to realize the possible outcomes range from really awful to really interesting  Interesting not necessarily meaning we would like it.   

So here is the live stream for this NPR story for the question I posted -

As you listen, do it with an OPEN MIND, and let me know how you think it can contribute to our species. I'll add more to my own question later.

Dear DarkM,

Fascinating Q...my answer is not yet fully developed, here are some initial thoughts:

In the 1960's Konrad Lorenz authored his book ON AGGRESSION... He and others like Robert Ardrey commented on the tremendous mental ability of humankind to split the atom...and then what do we do with it? The atomic bombs...

Our intellectual development is outstripping our moral ethical (Essexal?) evolution...we have proved we cannot conduct ourselves well yet. Not only the bomb, but the Green Revolution; it saved a billion lives, earned Norman Borlaug the Nobel Prize...and then, the environmental aftereffects are horrendous.

* * *

Preliminary suggestion: Your points are well taken, and let's set a few benchmarks; maybe when we have gotten ourselves together enough to eliminate world hunger? Successful steps toward world peace? A few standards, and when we as a species demonstrate responsibility and accountability to ourselves, at that point let's proceed with the editing of human embryos.

I think it will eventual result in disaster .. Just like every other thing they have interfered with that involves manipulating nature (Like species relocations, weather manipulations etc)

Look around at what we've done to the planet. If we live longer, what else will we destroy? No other species seeks to extend it's life like humans do, the forever hunt for immortality. This brings up the ethical question, of what right do we have? And, where are the boundaries? When is enough, enough?

Besides with the population at 7 billion, the elite won't want people living longer, throughout history they have always had an obsession with population control (eugenics), a favoured race, and the "sterilisation of the unfit."

Is there an ethicist on this site to offer guidance?

Ethics : An area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior; a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong

Specifically in this case: What limits might be necessary on this type of scientific experimentation?

I have a reaction to this issue based on my personal philosophy, but not a precise intellectual position that specifically addresses what is involved beyond generalities.