China takes action against scientist behind gene-edited babies

Biological researcher He Jiankui speaking at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the University of Hong Kong in November. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Chinese investigators accused scientist He Jiankui, who claimed to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies, of violating national laws and falsifying documents to carry out the procedure, reports the WSJ.

The details: It's the first time China has confirmed the controversial births and the first indication that it will punish He for the experiment. State media Xinhua News Agency reports that He "will be transferred to public security authorities" and the individuals involved in the experiment will be "severely dealt with according to the law," per the WSJ.

Go deeper:

• Gene editing moves into a frightening new stage
• The ethical red flags of genetically edited babies