Doubts generated by the announcement of a Chinese scientist on the first genetic modification of a baby | News from El Salvador

This week, He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist, shocked the world by claiming that he had created the first genetically modified babies.

And this Wednesday, at a human genome summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui defended his project by saying he was "proud" of having changed the genes of a pair of twins so that he would not have to worry about it. they can not contract the HIV virus.

However, neither his affirmations much less their work has been independently verified.

Immediately, dozens of scientists condemned this announcement and called it "monstrous". Gene editing in humans is banned in most countries.

A spokesman for the South Shenzhen University of Science and Technology, to which belongs the professor, said that he was unaware of the research project and that he was not in charge. he would start an investigation.

I confirmed this week that the university was not aware and I added that he had funded the experience himself.

At the BBC Mundo, we show you the main points of the controversy created by the controversial Chinese scientist.

What does Professor He Jiankui say he found?

I announced earlier this week that I had modified the DNA of two embryos – two binoculars – to prevent them from contracting the HIV virus.

This Wednesday, at a conference held in Hong Kong at the meeting on the human genome edition, it was the first time that he was speaking in public about the project.

There, he revealed that the twins – known as "Lulu" and "Nana" – They were born "normal and healthy" and added that they planned to monitor both of them over the next 18 years.

He explained that eight couples – made up of HIV-positive parents and HIV-negative mothers – voluntarily enrolled for the experiment. One of the couples, according to the scientist, then went out of the project.

The professor also explained that the study had been sent to a scientific publication for review and analysis, although he did not indicate the name of the support.

And he concluded by saying that another "pregnancy with genetically modified embryos" was in its initial phase.

Why is it so controversial?

L & # 39; tool CRISPR for editing genes that he said he used in his experience is not new to the scientific world since its discovery in 2012.

It works by using "molecular scissors" modify a very specific DNA chain, either by cutting it, replacing it or adjusting it.

Genetic editing could potentially help prevent hereditary diseases by erasing or modifying failed embryo codes.

But many experts are concerned that the manipulation or editing of the genome of an embryo could harm not only the individual but also future generations who will inherit these changes.

His experiences have been largely rejected by other colleagues.

Hundreds of Chinese scientists signed a letter, published on social networks, condemning the investigation and explaining that they "totally opposed" the He procedure.

"If it is true, this experience is monstrous, the genetic editing is experimental and is always associated with mutations, with the possibility of creating a genetic problem in people's lives, even if they develop a type of cancer, "he said. Julian Savulescu, professor at the BBC, Oxford University.

" This experience exposes healthy children to the risk of genetic modification without necessary benefit " , he added.

In many countries, laws prevent the use of genetic publishing for assisted human reproduction.

Scientists can perform gene editing experiments on embryos that have been discarded, provided that they are immediately destroyed and that they are not used to be implanted in humans.

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