They investigate the Chinese scientist who says that he has modified baby's DNA

The Chinese scientist who describes how he used CRISPR for altering the genes of human embryos is being investigated by the authorities of the university where he is employed and by a committee of ethics of medicine.

Jiankui He said Sunday that he had managed to genetically edit binoculars. The scientist posted a video on YouTube about his feat. He added that the binoculars "Lulu and Nana" were born healthy after the genetic modification of their embryos, so that they are more resistant to HIV. The research was first detailed by MIT's Technology Review magazine

Media reports prompted authorities at the Shenzhen University of Science and Technology in China, of which it is employee but that he is On leave without pay, they issued Monday a statement in which they explain that the institution is "deeply dismayed" and tries to establish a communication with He to clarify the scope of his study. The university has condemned his work and declared that he "seriously violates the university ethics and code of conduct". The statement indicates that the university "was not aware of the project and its nature". The university called on "international experts" to form an independent committee to investigate the issue.

He did not respond to a request for comment.

A report from the MIT Technology Review indicated that the Shenzhen City Medical Ethics Committee would also investigate the work of He. The former medical director of the hospital where he performed his tests said that he did not remember giving him permission to perform clinical tests.

"Experiments like these put this field of study at risk." Science works under a social license: scientists work within the boundaries defined by the concerns of the community at large, "said Darren Saunders, a professor at the University of New South Wales' School of Medicine." Ignore these limits puts the field in danger and backtracking for decades. "

The skepticism aroused as part of this study has spread all over the world.Famous researchers from the publishing technology of CRISPR genes, such as Feng Zhang, are concerned about the lack of transparency in He's lab. At the time of writing this article, his work has not been published nor independently reviewed by experts from His claims have not been corroborated yet.

Now other ethical and moral issues arise. Some consider it to be irresponsible and potentially illegal work. l, because it may not have all the required permits.

"Whether the results can be sustained or not, we as a society need to think deeply and quickly about when and where we are prepared to take risks when it comes to new ways of doing things. treatment, especially those that may affect future generations, "said Yalda Jamshidi, a professor of human genetics at St. George's University in London.

The second International Summit on Human Genome Publishing is scheduled to open on November 27 in Hong Kong. I am supposed to make an appearance at the event.