China opens investigation after announcement of conception of genetically modified babies



[ad_1]

He Jiankui, a university professor in Shenzhen, says in a YouTube video that he has changed the DNA of two binoculars to make them resistant to the AIDS virus.

Has a Chinese scientist helped design the first genetically modified babies in the world? China opened an investigation Monday (November 26th) to verify the claims of researcher He Jianku. An announcement described by many researchers as "a madness".

He Jiankui, a university professor in Shenzhen, announced in a video broadcast on YouTube the birth "a few weeks ago" two twins whose DNA has been modified to make them resistant to the AIDS virus.

"We have asked the health authorities of Guangdong Province to immediately initiate a thorough investigation to establish the facts"reacted Monday night the National Health Commission, saying "attach great importance" to the case.

He Jiankui's announcement has raised a wave of sharp criticism in the global scientific community, including within the researcher's institution. Shenzhen University disavowed it and said "deeply shocked" by this announcement.

This self-proclaimed medical first has not been independently verified and has not been published in a scientific journal. More than 100 Chinese scientists lamented in a statement a "madness" who wears "a big blow to the worldwide reputation and development of biomedical research in China".

[ad_2]
Source link