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China to act against rogue scientists
Why is it in news?
- China has drafted new rules to supervise biotechnology research, with fines and bans against rogue scientists after a Chinese researcher caused a global outcry by claiming that he gene-edited babies.
More in news
- He Jiankui’s controversial experiment:(1) He announced in November that the world’s first gene-edited babies- twin girls- were born that same month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene under a technique known as CRISPR.(2) His experiment continues to transfix the scientific community, with researchers saying the procedure had the potential of enhancing the learning capabilities and memory of the babies.
- China’s new rules:(1) The new rules unveiled by Beijing propose to classify technology used for extracting genetic materials, gene editing, gene transfer and stem cell research as “high risk”.(2) Health authorities under the central government would manage such research.(3) Scientists can be fined 10 to 20 times the amount of “illegal income” earned from unauthorised research and be banned from their field of work for six months to one year.(4) If the circumstances are serious, their medical practice licence shall be revoked and the individual shall not engage in clinical research for life.
Sources
The Hindu