Gene-editing put in the spotlight

A portrait of He Jiankui

Source: © Mark Schiefelbein/AP/REX/Shutterstock

What now after a rogue geneticist has created the first genetically modified humans?

Rogue geneticist He Jiankui has put science in the spotlight with his announcement that he has created the first genetically modified babies. Geneticists are now left to ask themselves what happens next now that self-regulation has failed the field. Scientists will need to act fast if they’re to be included in decisions on new laws now that calls are being made to outlaw editing of embryos.