Scientist who edited babies' genes conducted research for personal gain, to face punitive action: Chinese authorities

Chinese authorities on Monday said the scientist who claimed to have created the world's first genetically-edited babies will be punished for defying government bans and conducting the research in the pursuit of personal fame and gain.

They also confirmed that a second woman became pregnant during the "unauthorised" experiment conducted by the scientist He Jiankui.

The Chinese researcher shocked the scientific community in November last year after he announced that he had successfully altered the DNA of twin baby girls born that month with a powerful new tool capable of rewriting the very blueprint of life to prevent them from contracting HIV.

He's announcement drew flak from the global and domestic scientific communities, which termed his experiment as unethical. Subsequently, the Chinese authorities launched a probe against the scientist, popularly known as "JK".

A preliminary investigation shows that He had "defied government bans and conducted the research in the pursuit of ...