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Gene-Editing Pioneer He Jiankui Launches New Alzheimer’s Lab

8/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

After three years behind bars for his controversial gene-editing practices, He Jiankui is determined to reinvent himself. Once infamous for creating the world’s first gene-edited babies in 2018, he now aims to make a fresh start with a new lab in Austin, Texas, dedicated to Alzheimer’s research using monkeys and nonviable human embryos.

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Story summary

After three years behind bars for his controversial gene-editing practices, He Jiankui is determined to reinvent himself. Once infamous for creating the world’s first gene-edited babies in 2018, he now aims to make a fresh start with a new lab in Austin, Texas, dedicated to Alzheimer’s research using monkeys and nonviable human embryos.