HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -

Breakthrough research has created excitement in the genetics field. The University of Massachusetts Medical School has found a way to turn off the chromosome that causes down syndrome.

In Hawaii five to eight babies a year are born with Down syndrome. It is the most common birth defect. Doctors say the new research is exciting because it's the first time someone has been able to shut off a gene, although not everyone agrees that's the right thing to do.

"Not too high," said Emily Keane, as her father Darryl pushed her on a swing.

Emily is 22 years old and brings a world of joy to her family.

"She is very social, she likes to have friends," said Karen Keane, Emily's mom.

Emily was born with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy which makes it difficult for her to have a job. So when the family heard about the breakthrough research that doctors found a way to turn off the extra chromosome that causes the Down syndrome they were excited and would have done it had it been an option for Emily.

"Yes absolutely because it would open up more possibilities for her. She wants to do everything, she wants to be like everybody else and that would make that possible for her," said Karen Keane.

"The universal thing is that the kids are a blessing but the other side of it is we're always looking for ways to help improve their quality of life," said Darryl Keane, Emily's dad. "The medical research if it can help we are definitely open to that."

We also met five year old Gracie McComas.

The rest is here:
New Down syndrome research gets mixed reactions from parents

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