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The scientific world was upset at the end of last year when it was announced that two babies were born in China – after their DNA had been "altered".
It is an ethically incomprehensible act: we just do not know enough about the CRISPR gene modification technique or the effectiveness of DNA to experiment on children. There could be unexpected side effects.
It seems exactly that may have occurred.
The twins, named Lulu and Nana, had their genes changed while they were still embryos to give them a level of resistance to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
But new research has shown that the specific gene deleted to provide this immunity – CCR5 – has a versatile feature.
Experiments on mice have badociated with suppressed intelligence. And other studies suggest that this could affect human performance at school and during recovery after stroke.
"The answer is probably yes, it has affected their brains," said Alcino J. Silva, a neurobiologist at the University of California at Los Angeles. MIT Review.
"The simplest interpretation is that these mutations will likely have an impact on cognitive function in twins."
In this case, the experience will probably have improved the cognitive abilities of girls.
The Chinese scientist He Jiankui intended to surprise a world forum of biological sciences last year with the announcement of the birth of the first human to be edited by a gene.
He has certainly succeeded.
The news of his work was revealed a few days before his presentation by the MIT Review, sparking an international outcry. Mr. He and his team are currently under investigation by his Chinese university for violations of ethics.
While Mr. He had stated his intention to improve girls' resistance to HIV, his work did not mention any willingness to also enhance their intelligence.
The exact impact of the gene editing experience on girls will only be known when they are much older.
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