120 Chinese scientists describe genetic modification as "crazy"

Posted in: 27/11/2018 – 11:20

In an open Internet letter, scientists said that the use of Crysper-Cbad 9 technology to modify human embryo genes was risky and unwarranted and damaged the reputation and development of the community biomedical research in China.

In online videos, geneticist He Jianwei defended what he claimed to have done, claiming that he had made genetic modifications to the two twins born this month to protect them from the HIV virus.

"The bioethical examination of this so-called scientific research is solely nominative," said the scientists in their speech, published on the Chinese website "Piper". Direct experiences on humans can only be described as alienating.

There may still be a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late, "said some 120 scholars in a Chinese-language letter.

Yang Qin Gang, a professor at Fudan University, told Reuters that he had signed the letter because the genetic modification was "very dangerous".

He did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. He is expected to deliver a speech on changing the human genome at a summit held Wednesday at the University of Hong Kong.

The South University of Science and Technology, where he works as an badistant professor, said that she was not aware of the research project and that she was on leave without pay since February.

The National Health Commission of China said Monday that she was "very worried" and ordered county health officials "to investigate immediately and clarify the situation".

Crisper-Cbad 9 technology allows scientists to cut and copy DNA dramatically, thereby increasing hopes for genetic reform to prevent disease. There are, however, ethical and security concerns with this technology.