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Al-Rai – Deutsche Welle, Germany, Reuters
More than 100 scientists, mainly in China, have described the modification of human genes as "senseless" and immoral, after a geneticist said he had modified the genes of two binoculars to reach the first genetically modified babies.
In an open Internet letter, scientists said that the use of Crysper-Cass 9 technology to modify human embryo genes was risky and unwarranted and damaged the reputation and development of the community biomedical research in China.
In online videos, geneticist He Jianwei defended what he claimed to have done, claiming that he had made genetic modifications to the two twins born this month to protect them from the HIV virus.
"The bioethical examination of this so-called scientific research is solely nominative," said the scientists in their speech, published on the Chinese website "Piper". Direct experiences on humans can only be described as alienating.
There may still be a glimmer of hope to close it before it's too late, "said some 120 scholars in a Chinese-language letter.
Yang Qin Gang, a professor at Fudan University, told Reuters that he had signed the letter because the genetic modification was "very dangerous."
He did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. He is expected to deliver a speech on changing the human genome at a summit at the University of Hong Kong tomorrow
The South University of Science and Technology, where he is assistant professor, said that she was not aware of the research project and that she had been on leave without pay since February.
The National Health Commission of China said Monday that she was "very worried" and ordered county health officials "to investigate immediately and clarify the situation".
Peter Dabruk, chairman of the German Council of Ethics, said Monday that these works were irresponsible experiences on humans and had stressed that it was difficult to predict the side effects and subsequent effects of the modification or genetic control.
Crisper-Cass 9 technology allows scientists to cut and copy DNA dramatically, thereby increasing hopes for genetic reform to prevent disease.
There are, however, ethical and security concerns with this technology.
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