A scientist responsible for gene editing submitted to Chinese officials



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– The Chinese reprimand was swift and furious

A Chinese scientist who claimed to have helped to create the world's first baby with a modified gene is currently being investigated investigation by government agencies and its own university.

He Jiankui, a 34-year-old badociate professor based in Shenzhen, south China, said his lab had used the powerful CRISPR gene editing tool to modify human embryos – which had led to the birth of binoculars earlier this month, he said.

There is no independent confirmation yet, but scientists and regulators have been quick to condemn the experience as unethical and unscientific.

The National Health Commission on Monday ordered local authorities in Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located – to investigate its actions. CCTV, the Chinese state broadcaster, reported on Tuesday that if births were confirmed, the case would be dealt with "in accordance with the laws and regulations in effect". It is unclear whether he could be the subject of criminal charges.

He is an employer of the Southern University of Science and Technology. He said in a statement that he was not informed about the work of genetic editing of humans and had opened an investigation. The school said his research was "a serious violation of ethics and academic standards". He also faces investigations of the Shenzhen City Medical Expert Committee of Experts and the University Division of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

He is composed of his former adviser, professor at Rice University, professor of physics, Michael Deem, who sits on the scientific advisory board of He two bietics. companies. Rice said he opened an investigation into Deem's involvement.

"Until now, the main reaction of China is to condemn and criticize this work," said Jing-Bao Nie, expert in Chinese bioethics at the university of the 39, University of Otago. in New Zealand.

(This story was not edited by Business Standard staff and is generated automatically from a syndicated thread.)

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