Chinese scientist He Jiankui defended an experiment with genetic modification of children

Now the scientist is defending his research.

Speaking at a summit on genetics in Hong Kong, He Jiankui said he was proud of his work. According to him, it is now possible to save another pregnancy with a genetically modified embryo.

The statements of the Chinese scientist about his achievements have no independent confirmations. But many scientists have sentenced He Jiangkui, someone & # 39; a even called the monstrous idea.

In many countries, these studies are prohibited.

At the Southern Science and Technology University in Shenzhen, they said they did not know the experiences of their employees and are now considering launching an investigation.

Professor Jiankui announced earlier this week that he had changed the DNA of embryos (twin girls) so that they were not infected with HIV.

He claims to have succeeded in destroying the CCR5 gene and thereby enhancing the immunity of girls against HIV.

Hundreds of Chinese scientists have signed an open letter in social networks, in which they have condemned such experiences.

"If that's true, then it's monstrous. The process of modifying a gene is still experimental. again badociated with unplanned mutations that could sooner or later cause genetic problems, including the development of cancer, "said in an interview bbc Professor Julian Savulescu, Ethics Expert at the University of Oxford.

At the Human Genome Modification Summit at the University of Hong Kong, Professor Jiankui said that twin girls, known as "Lulu" and "Nana", are born normal and healthy. The scientist said he and his colleagues plan to monitor the twins for the next 18 years.

He Jiankui said that 8 pairs of participants had signed for the genome modification experiment of the embryo. Positive HIV fathers and HIV negative mothers, a couple later abandoned.

He added that he had initially funded the experiment himself.

The CRISPR gene editing technology was discovered in 2012. Its essence lies in the use of "molecular scissors" to change the strand of DNA, from which unnecessary parts are either removed or removed. replaced by others. This technology has been used by the Chinese scientist.

The editing of genes can theoretically help to avoid inherited diseases by removing or modifying embryonic DNA genes.

Opponents of such experiments believe that genome modification can harm future generations.

In many countries, including the United Kingdom, the law prohibits the genetic manipulation of embryos.