Why Gene-Edited Babies May Be Closer Than Ever
- Author
- NPR ([email protected])
- Published
- Tue 12 Aug 2025
- Episode Link
- https://www.npr.org/2025/08/12/nx-s1-5495489/gene-editing-genetic-modification-designer-babies-human-embryo
A Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, made a shocking announcement to the world in 2018: He had secretly engineered the birth of the first gene-edited babies. The birth of the twins was seen as reckless and unethical by the scientific community. That’s because, among other things, the CRISPR gene-editing technique Jiankui used was so new. NPR science correspondent Rob Stein has been following the controversial world of gene-editing and human reproduction, including some companies’ recent quests to push gene-editing technology forward.
Read more of Rob Stein’s reporting on the topic here.
Interested in more science news? Let us know at [email protected].
Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
