A scientist defends the first babies in the world to be modified by a gene

A Chinese scientist who claims to have created the first genetically modified babies in the world defended his work.

Speaking at a genomics summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui said he was "proud" to change the binoculars genes.

Earlier this week, he announced that he had modified the embryos' DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV. However, his work has not been verified.

Many scientists have condemned his announcement. Such gene editing work is banned in most countries, including China.

University Prof He, South Shenzhen University of Science and Technology, said that she was not aware of the research project and that she would be launching investigation. Mr. He was on leave without pay since February.

He confirmed that the university was not aware, adding that he had funded the experiment by himself.

He spoke for the first time of his work at the Human Genome Summit at the University of Hong Kong since the tumult.

He revealed that the twin girls – called "Lulu" and "Nana" – were "born normally and in good health," adding that he was expected to monitor the twins over the next 18 years.

He explained that eight couples – composed of HIV-positive fathers and HIV-negative mothers – had voluntarily enrolled for the experiment; a couple later gave up.

Professor He also stated that the study had been submitted to a scientific journal for review, although he did not name the newspaper.

He also stated that "another potential pregnancy" of a gene-modified embryo was in its infancy.

But he apologized for his research "having been disclosed unexpectedly".

"The clinical trial was interrupted because of the current situation," he said.

Why is it so controversial?

The Crispr gene editing tool that he would have used is not new to the scientific world and was discovered in 2012.

It works by using "molecular scissors" to modify a very specific DNA strand – by cutting it, replacing it or refining it.

Gene editing could potentially help avoid hereditary diseases by removing or modifying the annoying coding of embryos.

But experts worry about interfering in the genome of an embryo, which could harm not only the individual but also future generations who will inherit these same changes.

Professor He's recent claims have been widely criticized by other scientists.

Hundreds of Chinese scientists have also signed a letter on social media condemning the research, claiming that they were "resolutely" opposed to it.

"If true, this experiment is monstrous, gene editing itself is experimental and is always associated with untargeted mutations, capable of causing genetic problems early and later in life, including the development of genes. 'a cancer,' Julian Savulescu, an ethics expert at Oxford University, told the BBC.

"This experiment exposes normal and healthy children to the risks of gene editing without any benefit actually needed."

Many countries, including the United Kingdom, have laws that prohibit the use of genome modification of embryos for human assisted human procreation.

Scientists can perform research on gene editing on discarded IVF embryos, provided that they are destroyed immediately afterwards and that they are not used to make a baby.

Professor He's experiment is outlawed by Chinese laws, said Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Xu Nanping, to the state media.

China allows in vitro research on human embryonic stem cells for up to 14 days, Xu said.

– BBC