China is already gene-editing a lot of humans
A new report says at least 86 people have had their genes edited in China to help cure disease.
Backstory: We already knew that China had experimented with CRISPR gene editing in humans since 2016, becoming the first nation in the world to do so. But no human CRISPR trials have so far taken place in America.
What’s new: An investigation by the Wall Street Journal says that CRISPR gene editing has actually been used in Chinese hospitals to treat human diseases like cancer since 2015. The new report shows the extent of the trend.
How it’s possible: Unlike the US, China allows a hospital’s ethics committee to approve research on humans. CRISPR trials can be approved within an afternoon.
But: The push to use the technique isn’t necessarily a good idea. There are still safety concerns about such treatments, from immune reactions to unintended edits.
Deep Dive
Biotechnology
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A baby girl who developed a life-threatening brain condition was successfully treated before she was born—and is now a healthy seven-week-old.
A brain implant changed her life. Then it was removed against her will.
Her case highlights why we need to enshrine neuro rights in law.
The FDA just approved rub-on gene therapy that helps “butterfly” children
Biotech companies are getting creative with how they deliver DNA fixes into people's bodies.
Brain scans can translate a person’s thoughts into words
A new system was able to capture exact words and phrases from the brain activity of someone listening to podcasts.
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