China's global reputation shapes public reaction to 'CRISPR babies' - STAT

China's global reputation shapes public reaction to 'CRISPR babies' - STAT

Inside STAT: China’s global reputation shapes some citizens’ reaction to ‘CRISPR babies’

After He Jiankui presented research he proudly claimed led to the world's first gene-edited babies, the Chinese Academy of Medical Science said the researcher had violated laws, ethical norms, and regulations. A government science official called the work "shocking and unacceptable." But comments on Sina Weibo, a leading social media site in China, have been somewhat more mixed. A video He posted about his research on the site has garnered more than 14,500 comments. Many criticize or condemn He, but some show support for the scientist. STAT contributor Wendy Tang has the story from Beijing.