China Is Experimenting With DNA Changes In Human Embryos
A team from the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen was searching for pairs willing to allow them to alter the DNA of their offspring.
The goal of the experiment was to eliminate the CCRM gene – resulting in the children being immune or highly resistant to smallpox, cholera and most importantly HIV. The available information shows that they first wanted to modify the embryos using CRISPR and then implant them into the woman’s wombs.
At the moment, we do not know whether any children with such modified DNA really were born but we can considered it at least probable. While the research lead He Jiankui first refused to comment the released data shows the genetic tests were done on up to 6 month old fetuses. Later, the Associated Press agency later said that one of the pairs who were included in the study had twins – but this wasn’t confirmed.
While the birth of first genetically modified humans would no doubt be a great success for science it would also be highly controversial. Many people think genetically modifiying humans in a new form of eugenics and others have religious reasons against it.
Sources:
- https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612458/exclusive-chinese-scientists-are-creating-crispr-babies/
- https://www.apnews.com/4997bb7aa36c45449b488e19ac83e86d
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