Hailed as a “cure in a Petri dish,” the research by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School is the first to find that it may be possible to switch off the genetic material responsible for the condition that causes cognitive delays, heart defects, higher cancer risk and shortened lifespans…

On the other hand, it’s unclear what costs there may be to shutting down the mechanism that creates people who offer lessons in patience, kindness — and what it means to be human.

“If Down syndrome were completely cured, the world would lose something from the absence of that culture,” said Skotko, who has a sister with the condition. “There is something positive that people with Down syndrome contribute to the world.”…

“So much of Down syndrome does impact the personality and character of the person,” said Long, 54. “In Connor’s example, we’ve known him for 19 years. We don’t want a wholesale change.”