Designer babies. Conceptual computer artwork of babies designed to have different characteristics for professions such as acting, athletics, law and brain surgery. It is theoretically possible to selectively alter the genetic material of a human embryo to produce a baby designed to have certain characteristics. This is already done with plants and animals. A limited form of genetic engineering involves genetic screening, widely performed for certain inherited disorders in humans. Designing for specific professions is still in the realm of science fiction, except possibly for athletes. Designing humans would be highly controversial.