Technology is advancing at an incredible rate. Just 50 years ago it was impossible to imagine the technological advances we have made so far, from laptops to virtual reality games. New technological advances have also led to the ability to alter God's own handiwork. The Human Genome Project was able to map the entire human genome. Naturally the next step was to research which genes led to which characteristics and diseases. Using this information it would be natural that researchers would want to find out whether it is possible to alter a person's genes through genetic engineering in order to improve certain abilities such as intelligence, physical appearance and other similar characteristics, and while genetic engineering in humans is quite controversial due to the potential rise of “custom made babies”, as a tool, genetic engineering could serve the human race in a very positive way. If doctors were able to pinpoint the genes that cause genetic diseases in humans, as many have already done, we could potentially, through genetic engineering, rid the human race of genetic diseases and ensure that all humans start out healthy. same genetic beginning. This will ensure that every child born is not hindered in their ability to grow and develop by a genetic disease, giving every child an equal opportunity to experience life to the fullest extent. Genetic engineering is not a new field; in fact the first genetically modified organism was created in 1973 (Balivet et al., 2005). Genetic engineering in humans, however, is a very new science. A form of genetic engineering called “cytoplasmic transfer” was first used in the 1990s, and the first child conceived using this technique was born in 1997 (Taylor, 2012). The process of cytoplasmic transfer... middle of paper... for genetic engineering. Retrieved from http://www.sciencegroup.org.uk/ifgene/history.htmClapper, R. (2013, April 9). Human genetic engineering: a brief introduction. Reorbit. Retrieved from http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112819269/human-genetic-engineering-a-very-brief-introduction/Hanna, K. E. (2006). Germline gene transfer. National Human Genome Research Institute. Retrieved from http://www.genome.gov/10004764Smith, K. R., Chan, S., & Harris, J. (2012). Genetic modification of the human germline: scientific and bioethical perspectives. Archives of Medical Research, 43, 491-513. Retrieved from http://www.arcmedres.com/article/S0188-4409(12)00244-5/fulltextTaylor, R. (2012). The world's first genetically modified babies were born, or were. News about life. Retrieved from http://www.lifenews.com/2012/07/02/worlds-first-genetically-modified-babies-born-or-were-they/