Over 100 scientists signed a petition calling for greater oversight of gene editing following a Chinese researcher’s claim Monday that he helped create the first genetically edited babies.
Southern University of Science and Technology of China’s He Jiankui said that he altered the DNA of twin girls born earlier this month in order to help them resist future infection from AIDS, the Associated Press reports.
No one has independently confirmed the claims, according to the news agency, and the result has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Scientists and experts expressed concern after the report and more than 100 scientists signed a petition calling for greater oversight on gene editing experiments.
The university has said it will hire investigators to dig into He’s claims.
The institution said that if He is telling the truth, his work would have “seriously violated academic ethics and standards.”
He’s spokesman said he is still a member of the faculty and has a lab at the university, though he has been on leave from teaching since earlier this year.
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Scientists call for oversight after claims of first gene-edited baby created https://t.co/r8tnQHHaMV pic.twitter.com/eE3QOpxkWf
— The Hill (@thehill) November 26, 2018
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