The Chinese scientist announced that genetically modified babies suspend its evidence

The Chinese scientist who claims to have created the first genetically modified babies in history on Wednesday announced a "pause" in its clinical trials after the global controversy issued from its announcement.

While medical conference held Wednesday in & # 39; Hong Kong in & # 39; congested atmosphere, is Jiankui reiterated that he had allowed the birth of & # 39; twins whose DNA has been altered to make them resistant AIDS virus.

He also explained that eight couples – all formed from seropositive seronegattiva father and mother – had offered to trial but one was withdrawn.

"I pray to apologize because the unexpectedly blew result," he said Jiankui, and referring to videos posted on YouTube on Sunday, where he announced the birth of twins Lulu and Nana said.

"There is a break in clinical trials due to the current situation," he left scientist, to conduct laboratory in & # 39; Washington.

The announcement & # 39; these birth led to harsh criticism worldwide for an act described as "madness" by many researchers. In many scientific community denounced the lack of & # 39; independent audit or that embryos exposed b & # 39; health to genetic modifications.

– Step back –

Some experts believe that such modifications can generate unwanted mutations in & # 39; areas other than those dealt with

But He defended his work on Wednesday at the rostrum and said that parents, volunteers, were perfectly aware of the risks & # 39; "side effects" and "decided on implantation".

He also signed the University of Science and Technology south, in the city & # 39; Shenzhen, to which it belongs, "was unaware of proof".

The center itself was long in advance by the researcher claimed that it was not working since February without paying, and said he was "very reduced".

The conference organizers also said they lacked knowledge about the investigations & # 39; He.

The moderator of the round table, Robin Lovell-Badge, chose for his party this essay is supposed to "step back" to the scientific community.

"It is an example & # 39; approach was cautious and proportionate enough," he said. "However, it is obvious that this is something historical, these two babies are the first two to be genetically modified, is a vital moment in history", added the moderator.

The chairman of the conference, the biologist David Baltimore, Nobel Prize, iddenunċja "failure & # 39; self-regulation of the scientific community due to lack of & # 39; transparency".

– Research –

The geneticist, trained at the University & # 39; Stanford in the United States, says that using the CRISPR / Cas9 technique, known as the "scissors genome", making it possible to remove and replace parts not if desired genome correct typo in & # 39; computer.

The twins were born, according to which, after a modified in vitro fertilization embryos before being implanted in the mother's uterus.

This technique opens perspectives in the field of hereditary diseases. But it is very controversial because the modifications are transmitted to future generations and can affect the entire genetic heritage.

The American born Chinese researcher Feng Zhang, who claims paternity of & # 39; CRISPR / Cas9, considered the experiment & # 39; He as dangerous and unnecessary. "This experience was not made, that's not scientific," told reporters at the conference.

The Chinese Vice Minister for Science and Technology, Xu Nanping, said on Tuesday, according to public television, that if the twins are living, is illegal.

According to the ethical principles set out in 2003 on research with & # 39; embryonic stem cells, in vitro culture is possible but only for 14 days after fertilization or of the heart transplant.

According to Qiu Renzong, pioneer bijoetiċi issues in China, the Chinese researchers often avoid sanctions because they only report to their institution. And some do not provide for sanctions in & # 39; & # 39 event, professional guilt.

China has become a leader in genetic research and cloning, but the gray areas of the country sometimes controversial legislation allowed experiments.