Chinese scientist opens "pandora box" in genetic modification – International – Notes



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November 28th. Chinese scientist He Jiankui on Wednesday defended the effectiveness of his experiment, with which he claims to have created, through genetic modification, the first babies resistant to certain diseases, including AIDS.

During an intervention at the second lecture on human genome editing at the University of Hong Kong, I added that this would temporarily halt studies, taking into account the repudiation generated at the international level.

"The clinical trials have been interrupted because of what has happened.For the specific case (of babies, two girls), I am proud.In fact, I am extremely proud," explained I & # 39; expert, adding that the details of his work They were put in the hands of their peers.

"The study has yielded effective results and has been subject to criticism from the scientific community," said He, who also acknowledged that his experience had not been endorsed by any institution. official.

In addition, he argued that his research did not seek to "eliminate genetic diseases", but "to give girls the natural ability to resist possible HIV infection".

He is an associate professor at SUSTech (University of Southern Science and Technology) in Shenzhen, China, but this institution has moved away from the researcher, while the Chinese government has opened an investigation into it.

The Chinese Society of Cell Biology has condemned any application of gene editing on human embryos for reproductive purposes and has stated that this violates Chinese law and medical ethics.

More than 100 scientists, mainly in China, said in an open letter Tuesday that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to alter human embryo genes was dangerous and unjustified. "Pandora's box has been opened."

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