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China has ordered the opening of an investigation following the announcement of a Chinese researcher who claimed that he had had an in vitro fertilization with modified genes giving birth to twins resistant to the AIDS virus, an experience considered "dangerous" and "irresponsible".
He Jiankui, a professor at the University of Shenzhen in southern China, posted on YouTube a video announcing the birth, a few weeks ago, of two twins whose DNA was modified to withstand the AIDS virus. He said the father is HIV positive.
After Chinese scientists and institutions received this announcement with many critics, the National Health Commission in China ordered an "immediate investigation" into the case, the Xinhua news agency reported.
This is undoubtedly a very controversial news. Therefore, here are 10 keys to finish understanding:
►The researcher He Jiankui says he used the CRISPR genetic modification technique to achieve his goal.
► However, He Jiankui's work has not yet been published in any scientific journal.
► He Jiankui claims to have changed the genes of the Lulu and Nana twins, "born healthy a few weeks ago".
► claims to have "disabled" the CCR5 gene, which forms a protein that allows HIV to enter a cell.
►The researcher says that he "is not trying to eliminate genetic diseases" but "to give girls the natural ability to resist HIV".
► However, more than 100 scientists around the world have described the alteration of human genes as "madness" and unethical.
► "Pandora's box has been opened, we could still have a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late," experts said in an open letter in Chinese.
► "This experience exposes normal and healthy children to risks without real benefit," Nature said.
► CRISPR genetic modification technology was first used in humans in 2016, especially in Chinese patients with lung cancer. However, shortly thereafter, it was discovered that it could cause more cell damage than previously thought.
►He Jiankui is due to speak Wednesday at a summit on human genome editing at the University of Hong Kong.
Here is the video of He Jiankui's announcement:
Source: agencies
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