Questions grow in HKong on claim of gene-edited babies
2,789 views · Published 3 December 2018 · 2:58 · Indexed 24 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(28 Nov 2018) Members of the science community were perplexed about claims by a Chinese scientist who said he helped make the world's first gene-edited babies, after his first public appearance since the announcement earlier this week. Many questions were left unanswered despite the much anticipated presentation at an international conference that lasted around 20 minutes, followed by a question and answer session. The Chinese scientist, He Jiankui (HEH JEE-ahn-qway) of Shenzhen, said he altered the DNA of twin girls when they were conceived to try to help them resist possible future infection with the AIDS virus. Jennifer Doudna, who is a co-inventor of the CRISPR gene editing tool that was used by the Chinese scientist, said her questions about motivation and informed consent were not answered Wednesday. "I don't think this should have been done, I think it's unfortunate" said Massachusetts Institute of Technology biology professor and scientist Richard Hynes. David Liu, Harvard University Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology called the case "an appalling example of what not to do with a new technology." Harvard Medical School dean Dr. George Daley said it would be unfortunate if a misstep with a first case led scientists and regulators to reject the good that could come from altering DNA to treat or prevent diseases. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/9e47910a810e9fa4d8df44ce74f08ba0
