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Hong Kong scientists have warned of far-reaching effects on humans and consequences that will not be felt for several generations after a Chinese scientist claimed that he had created the first babies in the world to be modified by a gene.
Dr. He Jiankui's experiment to modify the DNA of twin babies – also called germline gene modification – means that modifications of these genes could be inherited by future generations.
"By doing this, it is changing the stock of human genes, and we may not be able to see the impact for generations to come," said Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, chairman of the department of chemical pathology of the United States. Chinese University.
"At the academic level, there is no consensus that we should do this and the technology is not yet fully developed … so doing it now is very irresponsible," said Lo last Thursday. day of the International Genome Summit held in Hong Kong.
Scientists and experts were expected to produce an official statement on gene editing, including what is acceptable and how to regulate testing.
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He used the CRISPR gene editing tool, a method that makes it possible to modify genes more easily and with greater precision, appeared in recent years. He hoped that this change would make the twins, Lulu and Nana, resistant to HIV infection.
However, this technology has not yet matured, which could result in the modification of genes that were not the target of the experiment.
"There can be unexpected consequences. For example, if this affects other genes related to cell reproduction, this could lead to cancer, "said Lo.
The late physicist Stephen Hawking predicted, in a series of posthumously published essays and articles, that genetic engineering would lead to a race of "superhumans", altering traits of intelligence and instincts of aggression. He feared that this ability would end up in the hands of the rich and powerful.
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Another expert, Derrick Au Kit-sing, director of CUHK's Center for Bioethics, said the experiment was "far too early".
"Even though this research is done on animals, we have no idea of the long-term effects it will have … not to mention the fact that it can be done safe for humans," said Au .
"The entire scientific and medical community feels that this has happened too early, we simply have no idea of the future risks that may arise," he said.
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Au also asked if it was ethical for He test subjects to be recruited by an HIV / AIDS advocacy group.
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"It is apparently ethically problematic to find these so-called volunteers to do this experiment because they are people belonging to a more vulnerable group, they could be easily manipulated and affected," Au said, adding that he wondered if couples experimented and knew the risks.
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