The Chinese scientist suspended his experiment to change the DNA of unborn babies



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Among the countries where the modification of human DNA is prohibited, there is also the United States and the states of Europe, the situation in China itself is not clear. He added that the Chinese authorities had allowed the experiment to do so.

HONG KONG. A Chinese scientist who claims to have genetically modified several human embryos on Wednesday said he had suspended his experience because of the outrage and controversy aroused by his ethical aspect. Meanwhile, he announced that he was pregnant with another project, the second volunteer. AP reported Wednesday.

He modified the DNA

Che Ťien-kiu said at a medical conference in Hong Kong that he had managed to change the DNA of twins born to a father who had tested positive for HIV. The twins would be born in November. Eight couples volunteered – fathers were tested for HIV and mothers tested for HIV. One of the project pairs went out before stopping.

"I have to apologize for this unexpected escape (to the public)," Che said. "The clinical trial has been suspended due to the current situation," he said. He had surprised most scientists with his experience and shocked many. The editing of DNA (called "germ line modification") is a controversial subject and this method – the modification of human DNA – is banned in many countries of the world. These changes in DNA may also occur in the next generation, and some other genes may be damaged.

Among the countries where the modification of human DNA is prohibited, there is also the United States and the states of Europe, the situation in China itself is not clear. He added that the Chinese authorities had allowed the experiment to do so.

Modification of the DNA in the fetus. Photo – TASR / AP

Controversial project

According to available information, the egg in the tube was fertilized by the sperm of the partner, then genetically modified, and then reinserted into the body of the woman. Basically, it was a technique used in artificial insemination with additional gene editing. However, many scientists have said in the meantime that this is a very controversial project from an ethical point of view.

The goal of genetic modification of embryos should be to enable HIV-infected fathers to infect children at lower risk of infection with these viruses, resulting in an indigestible syndrome of acquired immune deficiency (AIDS).

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