The statement by the Chinese scientist about genetically modified children is disgusting

A Chinese scientist raised skepticism and confusion throughout the international scientific community by claiming that he had corrected human embryonic DNA to create twins, Lulu and Nana . He said the two babies "cried out healthyly like any infant" a few weeks ago.

According to the Washington Post, this controversial experiment was widely publicized by He Jiankui of the South China University of Science and Technology through media and online videos. Immediately, it was criticized by many scientists all over the world and called "humanity experiment". More than 120 Chinese scientists in a letter called the experiment "crazy" , adding that it was a hit on the global reputation of Chinese science. The University of South China in a statement said it would investigate the trial that clearly "seriously violated the ethics and code of conduct of the school".

Mr. He Jiankui.

Mr. He's unverified statement was made the night before an international summit dedicated to discussing new science and ethics surrounding genetic modification - a powerful tool that helps Scientists have the ability to adjust traits and eliminate genetic diseases, but also raise concerns about "designed children". By correcting DNA from human embryos, scientists not only change genes in one person, but also their fertility - and in general change humans.

Mr. Eric Topol, founder and director of Scripps Research Institute said that he saw some data behind the experiment and the Chinese man in the video [published test] must be "thick face" , dose By following him "Basically for the first time in history, he used this powerful tool [genetically modified] recklessly without any legitimate reason".

Formerly a physicist, He Jiankui told the AP correspondent that embryos from seven couples who had undergone in vitro fertilization were modified. He used a so-called tool that could make DNA cuts targets - to disable a gene that allows HIV to infect cells - with a successful pregnancy so far.

Mr. He has yet to say anything more than announced Monday. He is expected to present at the conference tomorrow. David Baltimore is an American biologist, who won the 1975 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine will give a speech at this conference.

"We might even hear about the effort to apply human embryonic genome modifications, increasing the number of children with modified genes , " Baltimore said.

"I think this only shows now is the time for us to discuss the ethics of genome editing, because the world may not wait , " Insoo Hyun, a biologist at Case University. Western Reserve said. "We do not know how much this is or have it been verified. This is a kind of . rumor at this time . but in terms of science and health, I don't think yes. such an experiment ".

This experiment was first reported in MIT Technology Review and AP news agency. According to a description of the project posted online, He created an embryo from couples whose father is infected with HIV. The use of this technology immediately raises questions from moralists because there are many other ways to prevent HIV infection for the fetus, and many argue that the first applications for genetic modification should be reserved. Particularly for deadly diseases without treatment options. In a video posted on YouTube, He said that only one gene has been changed, but genetic modification is primarily to prevent unintended genetic effects that could cause concern. afraid - for children or human gene groups if children grow up pass on to their children and grandchildren.

In a series of videos posted on YouTube, Mr. He explained that his experiment was successful and that genetic modification did not make any unintentional changes to children's DNA. However, Mr. Topol said that "it is impossible" to make such a statement and adds that Nana and Lulu's children will be affected in ways that no one fully understands.

Mr. He, who is also the founder and president of Direct Genomics, a DNA sequencing company, sought to distinguish himself from those who would recklessly refine the genome to create design kids.

"Genetic surgery is and should still be a technology to cure. Increasing IQ or choosing hair color or eye color is not something parents love to do. That should be banned , " he said. say in one of the videos. "I understand my work will be controversial, but I believe families need this technology, and I am willing to accept criticism for them."

The announcement of online scientific experiments is very contrary to the practice, when no supporting data is provided to verify the claims and does not submit to the traditional peer review process. It raises profound questions for scientists about whether traditional research monitoring channels are being followed, as well as what trust in the experiment and its results. Mr. He posted a medical ethics approval form from Shenzhen HarMoniCare Obstetric Hospital for testing on his website.

Jennifer Doudna, one of the pioneers in genome editing from the University of California, Berkeley, said that the Chinese scientist's experiment seems to be a "disruption" of a cautious and transparent approach due to proposed international leaders. " The lack of transparency and disregard for risks is extremely important. There are safe and effective ways to protect children from HIV infection, so the reported study does not seem to address the need. health has not been met , " Doudna said.

Feng Zhang, a leader in the field of gene editing from the Broad Institute, called for a ban on modified embryos until safety requirements were established.

Jeffrey Kahn, director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Biological Sciences, said: "If it is as reported, it is an extremely early and suspicious experiment in creating genetically modified children."

When the international genome editing summit was held in 2015, scientists concluded the conference with a statement calling human embryo editing "irresponsible" until there was a broad consensus. Spread the suitability of any use.

"While each country has the authority to regulate activities under its jurisdiction, the human genome is shared among all countries," said the 2015 conference.

Matthew Porteus, pediatrician and stem cell scientist at Stanford University, who held the meeting in Hong Kong tomorrow, said Mr. He's test statement showed weaknesses of Current legal system."This is not the way I want to see the progress of science. I have serious concerns , " Porteus said.

The Southern University of Science and Technology said in a statement that Mr. He was on unpaid leave and condemned the experiment, saying that the university was "shocked" by the news and held a meeting. emergency. Research was conducted off campus, and universities were unaware of the project.

According to the AP, participating in this experiment also included Michael Deem, a biology professor at Rice University. Rice University said it is also investigating Mr. Deem's involvement.

"By the eve of the second international summit on genome editing, this announcement is like a skeptical attempt to get attention , " Pete Mills, assistant director of the Nuffield Council. about bioethics says. "If the statement is true, it is an early, reckless, inexplicable intervention that could threaten the responsible development of future applications of genome editing."

The international conference on genetic modification will take place tomorrow in Hong Kong. We will continue to update information about this event, invite interested readers to follow.