The Chinese scientist who claimed to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies was quietly released from prison early this month after serving a three-year sentence, state media confirmed. His release sparked a new round of discussions about the ethics of gene-editing human embryos and the unexpected harm that may occur.
Lead researcher He Jiankui sparked an international backlash when, in November 2018 at a conference in Hong Kong, he revealed that he had altered the DNA of twin girl embryos who were born that month, calling them “Lulu” and “Nana.”
