[ad_1]
A Chinese researcher claims that his laboratory made the first genetically modified babies in the world.
The scientist He Jiankui (HEH JEE & # 39; an-qway), formerly of the Southern University of Science and Technology of Shenzhen, reportedly used CRISPR to modify the DNA of binoculars born this
As reported by the Associated Press, he revised the embryos of seven couples during fertility treatments. Until now, only one pregnancy has succeeded.
"Two beautiful little Chinese girls, baptized * Lulu and Nana, came to cry in this world as healthy as any other baby a few weeks ago," he said in a video YouTube (below). ). "The girls are now at home with their mother, Grace, and their father, Mark."
Grace began her pregnancy by in vitro fertilization (IVF) – with a twist: after inseminating her eggs, an embryologist sent "a little
This procedure has removed the portal through which the virus enters the human infection.
Before bringing Lulu and Nana back into Grace's womb, the researchers used the complete sequencing of the genome to confirm the operation. They then monitored the pregnancy and, after birth, again deeply sequenced the complete genome of the baby.
"This confirmed that gene surgery was working safely," he said. "No gene has been changed, with the exception of one that prevents HIV infection."
In its current form, CRISPR / Cas9 is set to become the gene editing tool of the future.
It works a lot like a word processor. cut-and-paste function: Scientists target a specific point in the genetic code of an organism, cut the strands of DNA and insert a new gene or let them self-repair.
The technology may not be fully split. And he certainly has a lot of critics.
This type of gene editing is prohibited in the United States; The director of national intelligence, James Clapper, described the process as a potential weapon of mbad destruction in 2016.
This did not stop rogue Chinese researchers like him from doing the same.
The Southern University of Science and Technology, from which the scientist is on unpaid teacher leave until January 2021, learned the news "through reports in the media ".
"The university was deeply shocked by this event and immediately took steps to contact Dr. Jiankui He to obtain clarification," he said. in a statement.
SUSTech made it very clear that the project was conducted off-campus (although it has a laboratory at the school) and without formal approval.
"[We believe] Dr. Jiankui He successfully uses CRISPR / Cas9 to modify human embryos has seriously violated the ethics and codes of conduct of academics," the statement said.
An Independent Committee Should Investigate on this incident and make public the results.
no independent confirmation of the laboratory's request; He revealed this in exclusive interviews with the AP.
"I feel like a strong responsibility that it is not only a first, but also an example, "he said in a statement." The company will decide what to do next " to authorize or prohibit such a science.
CRISPR is still a newcomer, but it has been promising in creating potential treatments for HIV, cancer, ALS and autism.
But l & # The goal of the laboratory is not to cure or prevent disease They simply want to give people the ability to resist future infection by using a trait that some people already have.
"Parents do not want a baby designer. Just a child who will not suffer from an illness that drugs can now prevent, "he said in his video. "Gene surgery is and should remain a healing technology. Improving the IQ or choosing the color of the hair or eyes is not what a loving parent does. This should be prohibited.
"I understand that my work will be controversial," he continued, "but I believe that families need this technology and I am willing to accept the criticism that is made of it."
* Names of twins and their parents were changed by the He Lab for confidentiality reasons
More Coverage on Geek.com:
[ad_2]
Source link
