China probe faults scientist for gene-edited babies work
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE, Associated Press
Jan 21, 2019 11:44 AM CST
FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2018, file photo, a microplate containing embryos that have been injected with Cas9 protein and PCSK9 sgRNA is seen in a laboratory in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong province. A Chinese investigation says Chinese scientist He Jiankui, behind the reported birth of two babies...   (Associated Press)

A Chinese investigation into reports of the world's first gene-edited babies seems to have confirmed their existence, and investigators say the scientist responsible acted on his own and will be punished for any violations of law.

China's official news agency said Monday that investigators in Guangdong province determined that the scientist, He Jiankui (HUH JEEN-qway), for the sake of fame evaded supervision of his work and violated research norms. It did not say what laws or regulations he may have broken.

The scientist stunned the world in November by claiming that he had altered the DNA of twin girls at conception to try to help them resist infection with the AIDS virus.

The claim has been widely criticized as medically risky and unethical. A second pregnancy also reportedly is underway.

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