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Shanghai – More than 100 scientists, most of them in China, have called human genetics "crazy" and unethical, after a geneticist claimed to have changed the binoculars genes to create the first babies genetically modified.
In an open letter circulating online, scientists said that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter human embryo genes was risky, unjustified and harmed the reputation and development of the biomedical community in China.
In online videos published, scientist He Jiankui defended what he claimed to have accomplished, claiming that he had done embryonic gene editing to protect babies born earlier in November from HIV infection.
"The biomedical evaluation of this so-called research only exists in name. The conduct of direct human experiences can only be described as crazy," said the scientists in a letter, which the newspaper published a copy.
"The Pandora's Box has been opened, we may still have a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late," said the 120 or so scientists in a letter in Chinese.
Yang Zhengang, a professor at Fudan University, said he signed the letter because the modification of the gene was "very dangerous".
Responsible research on human genome editing
The latter, who is scheduled to speak at a summit on human genome editing at the University of Hong Kong on Wednesday, has not responded to a request for comments from Reuters.
The South University of Science and Technology, where he holds an badociate professor position, said that she was not aware of the research project and that it was in leave without pay since February.
The National Health Commission of China said Monday that she was "very concerned" and ordered provincial health officials "to immediately investigate the case and clarify the situation".
The government's medical ethics committee in Shenzhen, southern China, said it was investigating the case, as was the health commission of Guangdong Province, according to the Southern Metropolis Daily, a state media.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows scientists to cut and paste DNA essentially, which gives hope for genetic solutions to the disease. However, his security and ethics are also of concern.
The organizing committee of the Hong Kong conference where it is due to speak – the second international summit on the modification of the human genome – said Monday in a statement that he had just been informed of his work on the genes of the binoculars.
"Our goal is to help ensure that research on the editing of the human genome is conducted responsibly," the committee said.
Reuters
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