An American professor was aware of the babies of Chinese scientists published by the gene of the months before us – BGR

It's been a few months since the Chinese scientist He Jiankui revealed that he had genetically modified human embryos and that they had been implanted in mothers, giving rise to at least two live births. The news shook the genetics community as scientists around the world condemned the work and demanded guidelines to prevent such experiments from continuing.

Now, while the destiny of Him is decided by the Chinese authorities, the Associated press reports that Craig Mello, a US professor and Nobel laureate at the University of Mbadachusetts, regularly receives updates from He because of his unpaid adviser status for the Chinese scientist's biotech company.

The report reveals that Mello exchanged emails with He regarding the genetic work done. However, it is clear from the emails, obtained via a public registration application, that Mello did not agree with He on the job.

Mello strongly criticized his decision to continue the genetic development of a human embryo that was to be carried by a mother and questioned her intentions. At what would be one of their last exchanges, he revealed to Mello that one of the women had become pregnant with the modified embryo, drawing his anger from the Nobelist.

"I'm happy for you, but I prefer not to be aware of it," Mello replied. "I do not think it's an unmet medical need, so I do not support the use of CRISPR for this indication. You risk the health of the child you are editing and, to my knowledge, there is no significant risk of transmission from father to embryo with IVF. "

"I just do not see why you do that," Mello continued. "I wish your patient the best of luck for a healthy pregnancy."

He said his intention was to prevent the transmission of HIV from HIV-positive parents to their offspring, but this claim was not enough to protect him from widespread criticism. The Chinese authorities would detain him in government housing while they decide what to do, and there is a very real risk that he will receive a death sentence for his risky work.

Source of image: Karl-Josef Hildenbrand / EPA / Shutterstock