Do you remember the contentious figure, He Jiankui, who captured global attention in 2018 for his groundbreaking yet controversial use of CRISPR technology to genetically modify embryos? This bold experiment resulted in the birth of twins, marking what many believe to be the first instance of genetically engineered humans.

The announcement of his work ignited a firestorm of criticism within the scientific community and regulatory bodies, with numerous experts denouncing He for what they termed “severe breaches of scientific and ethical standards.” Ultimately, He faced imprisonment in China and was dismissed from his role at the Southern University of Science and Technology.

In a recent update from MIT Technology Review, it has come to light that He has been released from prison and even managed to take a brief phone call. When asked about his current circumstances, he responded, “It’s not convenient to talk right now,” before abruptly ending the conversation.

What lies ahead for He remains uncertain. Described by insiders as “idealistic, naïve, and ambitious,” he reportedly did not anticipate the intense backlash that followed his experiment; he had envisioned receiving a Nobel Prize for his pioneering work.

Before his incarceration, He had expressed ambitions of commercializing his technology by establishing a designer baby clinic, potentially in either China or Switzerland. However, these aspirations did not come to fruition.

The ongoing discourse about the manipulation of human DNA continues to provoke significant scientific and ethical discussions, particularly given the intricate nature of genetic coding in living organisms. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that He’s experiment has ushered in a new chapter in the realm of genetic engineering that warrants serious consideration.

As we monitor future developments, the saga of He Jiankui stands as a poignant reminder of the complex ethical and scientific challenges surrounding the alteration of human DNA.