HIV, which leads to AIDS, has been one of the most controversial yet serious public health issues in the world. Anyone could have this type of disease, even for unborn babies. In 2019, China find a solution for this problem by genetically-designing the embryo in order for the baby to prevent the development of HIV before it was even born.
Chinese twins had their gene erased in lab
In 2019, Chinese twins named Lulu and Nana, reportedly had their genes removed– even before they were born.
The gene is called ‘CCR5.’ Using an editing tool named CRISPR, Chinese scientist He Jiankui had managed to wipe off the said gene from the twins.
As explained, specifically, this type of human genes enables humans to contract HIV. It also has its impact on stroke survivors, that once removed, the gene induces the patient’s motor cells.
Thus, making his recovery faster than what’s expected.
Alcino Silva, a neurobiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who first discovered about the harmful effects of the specific human genes, had also added that the babies’ brains could actually be affected with the removal of CCR5– causing them to have enhanced memory and cognition than a normal person.
