The Genome Editing Scandal Everyone is Talking About - The He Jiankui affair
In 2018, Chinese scientist Dr.
He Jiankui made headlines when he announced that he had successfully edited the genomes of human embryos. This controversial experiment caused a worldwide scientific and ethical scandal, with many condemning Dr. He's actions as unethical and irresponsible. Here's everything you need to know about this scandalous experiment and its implications for the future of human genetics.
Dr. He Kept His Experiment Secret
Dr. He kept his experiment secret from the scientific community, only revealing it after he had already successfully edited the genomes of two human embryos. This secrecy aroused suspicion and criticism from his peers, who warned him that such an experiment could have unforeseen consequences. Ignoring these warnings, Dr.
He proceeded with his experiment without any transparency or oversight.
Dr. He Claimed to Have Altered a Gene Called CCR5
Dr. He claimed that he had altered a gene called CCR5, which allows the AIDS-causing virus to infect an important class of
cells in the human immune system making them resistant to HIV. However, this claim was met with widespread condemnation due to its lack of scientific basis and ethical wrongdoing.
Dr. He Was Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
On 30 December
2019, Shenzhen Nanshan District People's Court sentenced Dr. He Jiankui to three years' imprisonment and a three-million-yuan fine; he was released from prison in April 2022."
The genome editing scandal involving Chinese scientist Dr. He Jiankui continues to be a hot topic of discussion among scientists, ethicists, and the general public alike. While there is
still much we don't know about this case, it has raised important questions about the ethics of human genetic engineering and its implications for the future of humanity.
Summary of Facts
•In 2018, Chinese scientist Dr. He Jiankui made headlines when he
announced that he had successfully edited the genomes of human embryos, a controversial experiment that caused a worldwide scientific and ethical scandal.
• Dr. He kept his experiment secret from the scientific scrutiny, only revealing it after he had already successfully edited the genomes of two human embryos. This secrecy aroused suspicion and criticism from his
peers.
• Dr. He claimed to have altered a gene called CCR5 which allows the AIDS-causing virus to infect an important class of cells in the human immune system making them resistant to HIV; however, this claim was met with widespread condemnation due to its lack of scientific basis and ethical wrongdoing.
• On 30 December 2019 Shenzhen Nanshan District People's Court sentenced Dr. He Jiankui to three years' imprisonment and a three-million-yuan fine; he was released from prison in April 2022."
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