In an open letter, Chinese scientists say that the modification of a baby's gene is "crazy"

SHANGHAI (Nov. 27): More than 100 scientists, mostly in China, have described as "crazy" and unethical the assertion of a geneticist who would have altered the genes of the binoculars born this month to create the first genetically modified babies.

In an open letter circulating online, scientists said that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter human embryo genes was risky, unjustified and harmed the reputation and development of the biomedical community in China.

In videos posted online, scientist He Jiankui defended what he claimed to have accomplished, claiming that he had proceeded to issue the gene to protect babies from future infection. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

"The evaluation of biomedical ethics for this so-called research only exists in name. Conducting direct human experiences can only be described as insane," said one copy. of the letter published by the Chinese news website. The paper.

"The Pandora's Box has been opened, we may still have a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late," says the letter written in Chinese and signed by about 120 scientists.

Yang Zhengang, a professor at Fudan University, said Reuters he signed the letter because the genetic modification is "very dangerous".

The South University of Science and Technology, where he holds an associate professor position, said that she was not aware of the research project and that it was in leave without pay since February.

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

The government's medical ethics committee in Shenzhen, southern China, said it was investigating the case, as was the health commission of Guangdong Province, according to the Southern Metropolis Daily, a state media.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that allows scientists to cut and paste DNA essentially, which gives hope for genetic solutions to the disease. However, his security and ethics are also of concern.