Chinese Scientist 'Dr. Frankenstein' Resumes Gene Editing Work
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Science
March 24, 2025 12:21
amsterdam - Chinese geneticist He Jiankui, known for gene-editing babies, plans to eradicate Alzheimer's and create genetically modified babies globally.
Chinese Scientist Resumes Gene Editing Work
He Jiankui, previously jailed for gene-editing unborn babies, is back in the lab with new plans, aiming to eradicate Alzheimer's and create genetically modified babies worldwide. He used CRISPR-Cas9 to alter genes of twins in 2018.
Gene Editing Plans and Future Vision
- Plans to eradicate Alzheimer's and create genetically modified babies globally.
- Targets South Africa first due to relaxed DNA guidelines, followed by Japan, Korea, Canada, and England.
Controversy and Resumption of Research
- He Jiankui was previously sentenced for gene-editing babies to resist HIV.
- Resumed research in Wuhan and Beijing, sponsored by anonymous Chinese and American companies.
Future of Gene Editing
- Predicts governments will fund gene-editing to save healthcare costs and prevent diseases like cancer.
- Raises concerns about the misuse of gene editing for creating 'superior children.'
Regulation and Future Outlook
- China tightened gene-editing laws post-He's case, denying him government funding.
- He Jiankui aims to be remembered as the 'Chinese Darwin' but warns against uncontrolled genetic manipulation.