A step closer to designer babies? Scientists will create synthetic human DNA in just FIVE years

Synthetic human DNA will be grown in the lab in as little as five years, according to a new announcement.

Last year, more than 100 scientists attended a secretive meeting to discuss an ambitious project to recreate the six billion 'letters' that make up our unique genetic code.

Next week the researchers will meet again and announce a $100 million (£77 million) plan to artificially create life's building blocks, it was revealed today.

But the news is likely to refuel concerns over the creation of 'designer babies'.

Human Genome Project-write (HGP-write) would enable researchers to expand on techniques already being used in the lab to create synthetic yeast, and synthesis DNA in the lab.

The group of 25 scientists has highlighted the need for technology and ethical frameworks, but say the approach could lead to: Growing organs for transplant patients; Engineering immunity to lethal viruses, such as Ebola or Zika; Making synthetic genes to study their role in cells; Synthesising whole chromosomes, such as chromosome 21- an extra copy of which is responsible for Down’s syndrome; and Developing cancer-resistant cells in the lab.