Twins edited by genes could be the first humans with an improved brain "accidentally"

Cambridge:

The genes of the Chinese twins Lulu and Nana were modified before birth with the help of a gene editing tool. Chinese scientist He Jiankui claimed to have modified the DNA of their embryos to immunize them against HIV that causes AIDS.

Today, scientists believe that the process of cognition and memory of twin girls born last year could be improved.

New research claims that the same change introduced into girls' DNA not only makes mice smarter, but also improves recovery of the human brain after stroke.

This can also be linked to greater academic success at a later stage, reported MIT Technology Review.

It is because of the deletion or mutation of the gene called CCR5 that researchers believe they are impacting memory and the brain's ability to make new connections. HIV needs the CCR5 gene to enter human blood cells.

Alcino J Silva, a neurobiologist at the University of California at Los Angeles, said Dr. He Jiankui may have inadvertently created the first metahumans with improved brains.

Although it remains to be proven whether Lulu and Nana are the first humans to have modified genes leading to brain enhancement, CRISPR remains a controversial use of science and technology considered by critics as "irresponsible" and a Potential reason for a race for biotechnology in China and the United States.