He Jiankui: The Scientist Behind Gene-Edited Babies Returns

He Jiankui is making headlines again, planning new gene-editing work after serving prison time for creating the world's first CRISPR-edited babies. The Chinese scientist who shocked the scientific community in 2018 now says he wants to tackle Alzheimer's disease through genetic modification.

His announcement comes years after his controversial experiments resulted in three gene-edited children and a three-year prison sentence. Now free and working from an undisclosed location, He is positioning himself for a return to the field that once made him a global pariah.

The scientist's reemergence has reignited debates about human germline editing, research ethics, and the boundaries of scientific innovation. His plans suggest he has no intention of abandoning the technology that brought him international condemnation.

He Jiankui served his sentence in China after being convicted of illegal medical practice in December 2019. His original experiment used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit embryos, resulting in the birth of twin girls with modified CCR5 genes intended to provide HIV resistance.

The experiment violated multiple ethical guidelines and was conducted with inadequate oversight. He recruited couples through a recruitment video and performed the procedures without proper transparency about risks and alternatives.

Now, He has shifted his focus to neurodegenerative diseases. His new research direction targets Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting millions worldwide that currently has no cure. This represents a significant pivot from his fertility-focused work to age-related disease.

Despite his conviction, He maintains that his work had noble intentions. He believes genetic modification can prevent inherited diseases and improve human health outcomes.

He Jiankui has directed sharp criticism toward Silicon Valley biotechnology companies, accusing them of conducting what he calls a "Nazi eugenic experiment." His comments represent a striking reversal of roles - positioning himself as an ethical critic despite his own controversial history.

The scientist argues that American tech giants are pursuing genetic research with profit motives that could lead to dangerous eugenic outcomes. He specifically targets the commercialization of genetic technologies and the potential for creating genetic class divisions.

"Silicon Valley is conducting a Nazi eugenic experiment"

His critique focuses on several concerns about the industry:

• Profit-driven genetic modification creating inequality
• Lack of transparency in corporate genetic research
• Potential for designer babies and genetic discrimination
• Insufficient regulatory oversight of biotech companies

This stance places He in an unusual position - a convicted genetic researcher positioning himself as a watchdog against what he sees as unethical practices in the commercial biotech sector.

Human germline editing remains one of the most controversial topics in modern science. The technology allows for permanent changes to DNA that can be passed down through generations, raising profound ethical questions about consent, equality, and human identity.

The scientific community largely agrees that germline editing should not proceed until safety and ethical frameworks are firmly established. Major international bodies have called for moratoriums on heritable genome editing.

He Jiankui's original work violated these consensus positions. He conducted experiments without proper peer review, ethical approval, or long-term safety data. His actions led to widespread condemnation from scientists, ethicists, and policymakers worldwide.

The case exposed gaps in international oversight of genetic research and prompted calls for stronger global governance. It also highlighted the challenge of regulating science when researchers operate across national boundaries.

He Jiankui's announcement raises questions about the future of genetic research regulation and the possibility of other scientists attempting similar experiments. His case serves as both a cautionary tale and a potential template for future rogue researchers.

International scientific bodies continue working toward consensus on gene-editing guidelines. The World Health Organization and other organizations are developing frameworks for responsible genetic research that could prevent future He Jiankui-style incidents.

The tension between scientific progress and ethical boundaries remains unresolved. As genetic technologies become more accessible, the challenge of preventing misuse while encouraging beneficial research grows more complex.

He's plans will likely face intense scrutiny from regulators, scientific communities, and ethicists worldwide. Whether he can conduct legitimate research or will再度 become a rogue actor depends on how he navigates these oversight mechanisms.

He Jiankui's return to genetic research represents a significant development in the ongoing debate about human gene editing. His case continues to shape discussions about scientific ethics and international oversight.

The scientist's pivot to Alzheimer's research and his criticism of Silicon Valley create a complex narrative that challenges simple categorization. He remains both a cautionary figure and an active researcher.

His story highlights the urgent need for clear international standards on genetic research. Without robust governance, the potential for misuse remains significant.

The global scientific community now faces the challenge of preventing future ethical violations while not stifling potentially beneficial genetic research. He Jiankui's reemergence ensures this debate will continue.