Rogue science strikes again: The case of the first gene-edited babies
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - 07:50
in Health & Medicine
The idea of scientists tinkering with the genes of babies was once the provenance of science fiction, but now it's apparently entered the realm of reality: On Nov. 26, Chinese scientist He Jiankui reported the historic live births of twin girls whose genes he had edited. The goal may have been noble: to use CRISPR to alter their genes to include a variant protective against transmission of HIV. But the announcement – yet to be verified – has quickly become mired in a deluge of scientific and ethical criticism of He as a reckless researcher who overstepped well-established boundaries.