Chino created the first babies by genetic publishing | Chronic

A Chinese scientist said he created the first genetically modified babies, against whom he was immune to HIV. However, the international community has already expressed its opposition to this initiative and even its own government has asked for explanations. Despite the ethical controversies, He jiankui, a researcher from the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), located in Shenzhen, revealed that he had participated in the first modification of baby embryos in the world.

Fruit of their work are born "Several weeks" two twins, who modified the DNA to make them immune to the HIV virus. According to him, the babies, Lulu and Nana, are in perfect health and specify that their father, MarkHe is HIV positive and has never thought of becoming a father.

To reach this milestone, he used the gene modification technique called CRISPR / Cas9, which functions as a molecular "chisel" that allows one to "cut" and modify the DNA. It is thanks to her that she managed to mutate a gene to make the small virus that causes AIDS safe from the little ones.

Its development began in the laboratory, then the embryos were implanted in the womb of the mother, after which they verified that the only genetic mutation was the one that had been predicted. "No other gene presented changes"He said. "I feel a strong responsibility not only to do something for the first time, but also to give the example", said the geneticist, who added that it will be the society that "He will decide what to do next."

The opinions

While waiting for the official confirmation of the work led by the geneticist, he has already been criticized. In Shenzhen, southeastern China, the scientific authorities badured that no one asked them for the necessary authorization to develop the genetic mutation, while questioning the ethical foundations of the specialist.

Therefore, the National Health Commission expressed concern and ordered "investigate immediately and clarify the matter"."We must be responsible for the health of the people and we will act according to the law."In the same sense, SUSTech has expressed itself, which has been declared" deeply shocked "by the announcement, as the investigation had not been informed, so"they were not aware of this research project and its nature ".

Therefore, they revealed that the academic committee of his department of biology "believes that the behavior of Dr. He Jiankui in the use of CRISPR / Cas9 to edit human embryos has seriously violated ethical and academic codes of conduct."