One scientist reveals that another genetically manipulated pregnancy is about to occur

O A Chinese scientist who claims to have helped create the first genetically manipulated babies said Wednesday that a new pregnancy of this type could be imminent.

He Jiankui was speaking at a conference in Hong Kong about his work that was widely criticized when he revealed that there was "another pregnant volunteer" of a genetically modified embryo. According to information received by Reuters, this pregnancy is still at a very preliminary stage.

The University of Science and Technology professor addressed an audience of 700 people, recalling that the genetic modification made to two embryonic twins was aimed at making them resistant to the future infection with HIV / AIDS.

Despite the many criticisms that he aims for, He Jiankui said he is proud of his work. It is recalled that scientists and regulators have condemned the experiment, classifying it as unethical and unscientific.

Former Nobel laureate David Baltimore, for example, said that the work of the Chinese scientist showed a lack of self-regulation among scientists and that "it would be considered irresponsible" because it did not meet the criteria on which many scientists agreed a few years ago.

The National Health Commission has ordered local authorities in Guangdong Province to conduct an investigation into He Jiankui's actions, while his employer, the Southern University of Science and Technology, also announced the Opening of an investigation.

For all these critics, the Chinese scientist will also have said today that he "would mark a break in clinical trials".