Chinese scientist claims to have created the first genetically edited babies

[ghosti]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-46368731

Prof He announced earlier this week that he had altered the DNA of embryos - twin girls - to prevent them from contracting HIV.
On Wednesday, he spoke at the Human Genome Editing Summit at the University of Hong Kong for the first time about his work since the uproar.

He revealed that the twin girls - known as "Lulu" and "Nana" - were "born normal and healthy", adding that there were plans to monitor the twins over the next 18 years. He explained that eight couples - comprised of HIV-positive fathers and HIV-negative mothers - had signed up voluntarily for the experiment; one couple later dropped out.

Prof He also said that the study had been submitted to a scientific journal for review, though he did not name the journal.
He also said that "another potential pregnancy" of a gene-edited embryo was in its early stages.  But he apologised that his research "was leaked unexpectedly", and added: "The clinical trial was paused due to the current situation."

Speaking at a genome summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui said he was "proud" of altering the genes of twin girls so they could not contract HIV.
His work, which he announced earlier this week, has not been verified. Many scientists have condemned his announcement. Such gene-editing work is banned in most countries, including China. Professor He's university - the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen - said it was unaware of the research project and would launch an investigation. It said Mr He had been on unpaid leave since February.
Prof He confirmed the university was not aware, adding he had funded the experiment by himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8afkgBE0OhY