Chronology

A timeline of human futures

Landmark moments that moved ideas about redesigning human biology from theory toward the clinic — and the controversies that shaped their limits.

ConceptBreakthroughTrialApprovalControversy
2024Trial

CAR-T tested in autoimmune disease

Engineered cell therapy shows durable responses in severe autoimmune disease.

Future Pharma
2023Approval

First CRISPR therapy approved

A CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia reaches approval.

Genetic Modification
2022Breakthrough

Gene-edited pig heart transplanted

A living patient receives a gene-edited pig heart under special authorization.

Frontier Biotech
2022Breakthrough

Synthetic embryos grown from stem cells

Integrated mouse embryo models form early organs without egg or sperm.

Reproduction & Development
2021Breakthrough

In vivo CRISPR edits a disease protein

A single infusion durably lowers a disease protein in patients with amyloidosis.

Genetic Modification
2021Trial

Psilocybin rivals an antidepressant in a trial

A head-to-head trial puts psilocybin therapy on the map for depression.

Mind & Cognition
2020Approval

mRNA vaccines validate programmable RNA

Large-scale deployment proves RNA can be a fast, programmable therapeutic platform.

Future Pharma
2018Controversy

Gene-edited babies announced and condemned

The birth of CRISPR-edited babies draws near-universal condemnation and legal consequences.

Genetic Modification
2017Approval

First CAR-T therapy approved

A CAR-T cell therapy becomes the first approved gene therapy of its kind in the US.

Future Pharma
2016Breakthrough

In vivo partial reprogramming in mice

Cyclic expression of reprogramming factors reduced signs of aging in mice.

Longevity Science
2016Breakthrough

Eggs generated from stem cells in mice

Researchers complete the mouse female germ line in a dish, producing fertile offspring.

Reproduction & Development
2015Approval

UK approves mitochondrial replacement

Parliament permits a regulated pathway for mitochondrial donation to prevent inherited disease.

Reproduction & Development
2013Concept

Hallmarks of Aging published

A shared framework organizes aging biology into interconnected hallmarks.

Longevity Science
2013Breakthrough

First DNA methylation age clock

Methylation patterns shown to estimate biological age across tissues.

Genetic Modification
2012Breakthrough

CRISPR-Cas9 as a programmable editor

CRISPR-Cas9 described as a tool that can be directed to cut chosen DNA sequences, transforming gene editing.

Genetic Modification
2006Concept

iPSC reprogramming discovered

Yamanaka factors shown to reprogram adult cells to a pluripotent state, seeding the idea of epigenetic rejuvenation.

Longevity Science