He Jiankui returns to the laboratory after the controversial genetic editing experiment that shocked the world. “I hope, over 50, people will remind me of” Chinese Darwin “”said the researcher who secretly created the first genetically modified babies.
The Chinese researcher, sentenced to prison to edit DNA some twins, claims that he will remain in history as Charles Darwin’s equivalent in China, because his contribution could eliminate natural selection, according to The Telegraph.
He Jiankui caused a global scandal in 2018, when he announced that he had genetically modified the embryos of twin girls, Lulu and Nana. Following an investigation conducted by the Chinese authorities – who revealed the existence of a third genetically modified child – the researcher was sentenced to three years in prison.
The controversial Chinese researcher who created the first babies genetically modified collage X He Jiankui
From “China’s Frankenstein” to “Darwin of the Future”-controversial vision
He Jiankui confessed that he would like to be recognized for more than half a century «China Darwin»thus strengthening their reputation of “Pioneer of genetic editing”. However, the statement contrasts strongly with the public image he earned after the controversial experiment, when he was labeled right «China’s Frankenstein» and convicted in 2019 for the illegal practice of medicine.
Although the scandal has sparked indignation worldwide, He Jiankui is convinced that time will give him justice. He predicts that, in no more than two years, countries like the UK will legalize genetic editing in humans, claiming that this technology could lead to healing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.
According to the researcher, the costs of such an intervention will rise to only a few thousand dollars, which will make most parents opt for changing the DNA of their embryos.
Between the ambition to heal Alzheimer’s and fear of one’s own discoveries
After his release in 2022, HE Jiankui returned to the laboratory, determined to resume his research to find a genetic treatment against Alzheimer’s. However, he recognizes that he is “Deeply worried” by the possible consequences of his work, without giving clear details about the nature of this concern.
Genetic editing, which involves changing DNA by eliminating or replacing genetic sequences, has been studied intensely in laboratories and inspired numerous SF stories. However, its application on people still raises major ethical and scientific challenges, being forbidden in most countries.
However, HE Jiankui challenged the restrictions and conducted the controversial experiment on human embryos. And the announcement made by a video on YouTube, stating that the two Chinese little girls, Lulu and Nana were born “As healthy as any other baby”but with the modified DNA.
From anonymity to global controversy: HE Jiankui’s surprising story
Until then, HE Jiankui had been a stranger in the field of genetic editing. Coming from a modest family of farmers in China, he noticed as a promising student and obtained a scholarship to study in the US, where he also followed an internship at the prestigious Stanford University. However, it was not among the great names of the field, and its ad was a total surprise.
At the time of the outbreak of the scandal, he was only 34 years old.
The genes of the twins were modified in the embryonic stage using the CRISPR technique, in order to make them more resistant to HIV – virus that their father suffered. “I understand that this work will be controversial. I am willing to accept the criticisms”he said at the time.
From promising researcher to detainee: HE Jiankui’s collapse
The reactions were not delayed to appear. The University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, where HE Jiankui worked, quickly distanced the experiment. It was considered deeply devoid of ethics and medical useless, and there are suspicions that the parents of the twins were not sufficiently informed about the risks involved.
In 2019, HE Jiankui was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison, the court accusing him of carrying out “illegal medical practices ” for the purpose
“Personal gain and fame”. The investigation revealed that he had attracted millions of investments for his own biotechnology startups.
The researcher refused to talk about the time spent in prison.
“Any pioneer or prophet must suffer”
However, HE Jiankui said he has no regrets related to his work: “If I came back in 2018, I would do everything again, exactly the same.”
He believes that the reaction of the scientific community was exaggerated but not surprising: “I thought I helped two families, and my parents were grateful. I didn’t expect the world to react so negative. At first, it seemed unfair, but now I think it is correct. Any pioneer or prophet must suffer.”
The researcher also stated that he will apologize for his genetic editing experiment only if their parents ask them: “However, at present, they are satisfied with the results.”
From ridicule to physical attacks
Jiankui HE compared to Edward Jenner, the English doctor who discovered the anti-vario vaccine and who was initially ridiculed. At that time, caricatures satirized that vaccinated patients could develop cow’s horns.
Last year, He was attacked while heading for his car, suffering more wounds. According to him, the aggressor put the office for a week before acting.
Despite the negative reactions from the public, the researcher claims that genetically edited twins-as well as a third child born from another mother-are healthy and lead a normal life.
Seven years after Crispr scandal: HE Jiankui dreams of a new genetic revolution
Since its incarceration, gene therapy – a less controversial treatment, which involves the introduction of new genes to combat diseases – has made major progress. At the same time, genetic editing has advanced significantly in the laboratory, recently culminating in creating a “wool mouse”, a possible step towards restoring woolly mammoths.
However, seven years after the scandal caused by He Jiankui, there are no signs that human genetic editing experiments will be resumed too soon.
China has tightened the legislation in this area according to its case, and this practice remains illegal in most countries and is strongly discouraged by the World Health Organization.
HE Jiankui vehemently criticized the scientific community what the convict, accusing the pioneers of Crispr technology of wasted billions of dollars without bringing real benefits to patients.
The controversial promise of HE Jiankui and who is supported by
After his release, He Jiankui returned to the laboratory, working at the Wuchang University of Technology in Wuhan – the city considered the epicenter of the pandema. Asked about the possibility that Sars-Cov-2 had escaped from a lab, avoided a clear answer, claiming that “He has no idea.”
His online activity is intense, and the presence of a photographer seems to accompany him frequently. On the X platform, I publish controversial statements along with images from the laboratory:
“Changing human embryos will certainly deserve the risk”.
In December 2024, the Chinese scientist wrote: “Over 20 years, the genetic editing of human embryos will be as popular as the iPhone.”
His research is funded by companies in China and the United States, but did not reveal their name, claiming that he does not receive support from the Chinese government. One of those who supported him is American entrepreneur Ryan Shea, a figure known in the cryptocurrency industry, which described as a “The brave scientist … willing to challenge conventional wisdom.”
However, HE Jiankui insists that the purpose of genetic editing should be the benefit of the whole society, “Not only to satisfy the interests of a small group of rich people.”
He is currently conducting his research in a Beijing scientific park,
“With the help of an assistant and some trainees.”
“The first genetically edited child after my research will be born in South Africa”
HE Jiankui has recently published a research proposal for a genetic editing experiment meant to fight Alzheimer – a disease for which there is no effective treatment. Its research aims at a genetic mutation that it is believed to be able to reduce the impact of the disease.
According to the document, the tests will start on mice, and later the method will be applied to human embryos. However, he emphasizes that “No embryo will be implanted for pregnancy”.
The researcher insists that his genetic revolution is unstoppable. In November, the National Health Department of South Africa has reviewed the ethical guides in a way that seems to allow the genome to be published, stirring heated debates.
“The first genetically edited child after my research will be born in South Africa in two years”He said, predicting that the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Canada will follow the example.
“DNA editing will eliminate Alzheimerul. We will definitely eradicate cancer”
Currently, there are no signs that the laws of other countries will be modified to allow the genetic editing of human embryos. However, in 2023, a citizen jury in the UK, made up of people with genetic conditions, voted overwhelmingly in favor of this technology, in a project organized by the University of Cambridge.
He Jiankui claims that governments should completely cover the costs of this treatment, given the positive impact on health systems. Moreover, he states that edit of embryo DNA not only could eliminate Alzheimer “Eradicate definitively cancer“.
Why genetic modification “could become impossible to control”
However, technology also raises major ethical dilemmas. Developing genetic editing methods has opened discussions about “Children to order” – modified embryos to have physical features, athletic skills or higher intelligence.
Although HE Jiankui supports the prohibition of genetic editing for aesthetic purposes or by “improvement” human, he recognizes that his experiments could disrupt the natural process of selection and that “Could become impossible to control”.
Despite his aspirations to be recognized one day straight «China Darwin»the researcher confesses a deep fear: “I am worried that one day, people will no longer be subject to Darwinist evolution.”
If this scenario is materialized, He Jiankui will undoubtedly remain a central figure – either as a visionary or as a pioneer of a risky revolution.
