👉 Controversial research often involves studies that challenge established norms or raise significant ethical concerns, such as the 2018 scandal involving He Jiankui, a Chinese scientist who edited the genomes of twin girls using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. This research was highly contentious because it involved altering the germline, meaning changes would be passed down to future generations, raising fears about unintended consequences and the potential for "designer babies." Critics argue that such edits could lead to unforeseen health issues, exacerbate social inequalities by creating genetic advantages for the wealthy, and undermine the ethical boundaries of human experimentation. Proponents, however, claim the research aimed to eliminate hereditary diseases like HIV and sickle cell anemia, sparking a global debate about the limits of scientific intervention in human genetics and the need for stringent regulatory frameworks.
