Report: Chinese Researcher Under Investigation After Gene Editing Claims

The Chinese researcher who claimed to have genetically edited human babies, is reportedly now under investigation.

USA Today reported that He Jiankui, an associate professor at Shenzhen’s Southern University of Science and Technology of China violated the school's academic ethics and is under investigation. 

The newspaper said that Shenzhen authorities also are investigating.

The researcher has claimed that he altered the DNA of twin girls born earlier this month. He claimed he did it to try to help the babies resist possible future HIV infection.

Also said to be under investigation by the U.S. is American professor Michael Deem from Rice University. USA Today said Deem might have helped He.

More than 100 scientists have now signed a petition calling for greater oversight on gene editing experiments.

• China Claims First Gene-Edited Babies
• Early Results Boost Hopes for Historic Gene Editing Attempt