China could have first genetically modified babies

The first genetically modified babies may have already been raised.

Chinese scientist He Jiankui claims to have modified the DNA of two twins to protect them from possible infection with the AIDS virus. "If we can make available technology available in advance, we can help many more people," he said at a conference on the subject. "People need help, we need to be compassionate for families with this disease, a hereditary and infectious disease.

The modification of the human genome may allow the eradication of hereditary diseases, but it is very controversial. The stake is the alteration of all the genetic heritage and the creation of people ethically challenged to the extent. The controversy begins within the scientific community itself.

For Joyce Harper, a professor of reproductive science at the Institute for Women's Health at University College London, "what we call" off-target "effects is more worrisome when it's time to start. other parts of the genome are affected and we do not know what this may entail. means concretely for the future person. So we are not ready from the scientific point of view, nor from the ethical point of view. As a society, we must have a debate to decide if this phenomenal method is the one we want to raise our children in the future. "

The international community is concerned that China has not properly regulated genetic modification in the law. But there are those who hope that new experiences in the region will be repeated.

"People are actually more aggressive in the development of research, the search for profits and new achievements.Because of all these factors, I would say that this can happen again," said Fang Gang, assistant professor of biology at University of Toronto. New York to Shanghai.

The technique used involves the precise removal and replacement of a DNA sequence. The method raises doubts within the scientific community as it has not yet been validated independently.

Chinese authorities have already announced their intention to investigate the investigation.