CRISPR: How this scientist is genetically engineering babies

A Chinese researcher claims to have made the world’s first genetically-edited babies, crossing a boundary many have feared. We explain how and why.

The Chinese government has ordered a team of medical researchers to cease its controversial work in helping produce the world’s first gene-edited babies, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

Chinese Vice Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping, says the AP, told state broadcaster CCTV that his ministry opposes the medical team’s research into producing twin girls. Xu said the government is opening an investigation, saying the medical team’s work was illegal and unacceptable.

The Chinese researcher, He Jiankui, said their team was able to alter DNA of the female twins in a way to avoid an infection from the AIDS virus. But other scientists around the world have criticized the Chinese medical researchers and are reviewing their findings.

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