The world's first genetically modified twin girls, able to fight HIV infection

This event shocked the world scientific community, causing a lot of controversy.

According to a Bloomberg report, a Chinese researcher claims that he has succeeded in creating the world's first genetically modified children. It was the twin girls just born, with DNA modified with breakthroughs.

If true, this will be a great step forward in science and morally.

An American scientist said he also participated in the human gene editing project in China. However, he said such genetic modification methods are prohibited in the United States, because these changes can affect future generations in a way that we do not anticipate.

Picture 1 of The world's first genetically modified twin girls, able to fight HIV infection
Researcher He Jiankui, who claims to have succeeded in creating genetically modified babies.

Many mainstream scientists believe that genetic modification is not safe to test on humans.

A Chinese researcher, Mr. He Jiankui said that he has conducted embryo editing on 7 couples during fertility treatment, resulting in an embryo being formed. He said the goal is not to treat or prevent genetic diseases, but try to bring these children a special ability that few people have, which is to fight infection with the HIV virus.

Mr. Jiankui said the participating couples refused to disclose their identities. His statement has not been confirmed or published in any scientific journal.

Picture 2 of The world's first genetically modified twin girls, able to fight HIV infection
This method of genetic modification promises to protect against HIV infection.

In an AP interview, Mr. Jiankui said: 'I feel a strong responsibility that this result is not only the first case, but also an example. An example for society to decide what will happen next. Will allow or not allow this method to be carried out '.

Currently scientists around the world are debating, there are many conflicting opinions. There are scientists who argue that this method of genetic modification is dangerous, and violates ethics. There are scientists who believe that it is still too early for humans to achieve this achievement. However, there are scientists who think this is the door to open hope to help humanity fight HIV / AIDS.

Whether or not genetically engineered children are resistant to HIV infection is still being studied and validated by scientists.

He Jiankui attended Rice and Stanford University in the US, before returning to China to open a laboratory at the South China University of Science and Technology. He is also the founder of two genetic companies.

American scientist working with He Jiankui is Professor of Physics and Biology Michael Deem. Michael Deem is a partner and co-founder of two genetic companies in Shenzhen.

The two researchers said they have carried out genetic modification on mice, monkeys and human embryos for many years. They also applied for a patent for the method of editing their genes. In this method, the human genome is modified and removes a gene called CCR5 , which is the protein door that helps HIV virus enter the cell.