Flawed DNA editing of alleged ‘designer babies’ may have put their health at risk

A researcher in China claims to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies, but he didn’t publish the results in an academic journal or provide other scientists with access to the babies. The little data he has revealed suggests that his efforts might not have worked — instead, his work may have put the babies’ health at risk.

Scientist He Jian Kui allegedly used the gene-editing tool CRISPR cas-9 to disable the CCR5 gene in 31 embryos with the goal of making children who were more resistant to HIV. He claims that two of the embryos were implanted, resulting in the female babies “Lulu” and “Nana.” (His work has since been halted by the Chinese government, reports The Associated Press.)

Other genetics experts are still waiting...

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