News Genetics

Chinese scientists raise ethical questions with first gene-edited babies

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to alter a gene involved in HIV entry into cells

Jiankui He

GENE EDITOR  Jiankui He, shown in a lab in Shenzhen, China, on October 10, has announced the birth of the world’s first gene-edited babies.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP Images

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

A Chinese scientist’s surprise announcement on the eve of an international human gene-editing summit that he has already created the world’s first gene-edited babies has led to swift condemnation.