Short Wave: Why Gene-Edited Babies May Be Closer Than Ever

Host: Regina Barber
Guest: Rob Stein
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Source: NPR’s Short Wave

Introduction

In the August 12, 2025 episode of NPR's Short Wave, hosts Emily Kwong and Regina Barber delve into the controversial and rapidly evolving field of gene editing, specifically focusing on the prospect of gene-edited babies. This episode examines the scientific advancements, ethical dilemmas, and societal implications surrounding the use of CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies in human reproduction.

The First Gene-Edited Babies

Regina Barber opens the discussion by recounting a pivotal event: a year before the COVID-19 pandemic, a Chinese scientist made headlines by announcing the birth of the world's first gene-edited babies, twin girls named Lulu and Lala. These twins were brought into the world using the CRISPR gene-editing technique, which, at the time, was both groundbreaking and highly controversial.

“A year before the pandemic hit, a scientist in China made a shocking revelation to the world. He had secretly engineered the birth of the first gene edited babies,” Regina Barber states ([00:18]).

Rob Stein, a colleague and expert on the subject, elaborates on the fallout from this announcement. The scientific community widely condemned the act as reckless and unethical, leading to the imprisonment of the scientist, He Zheng Kui, for three years due to his violation of medical regulations.

Rebooting the Gene-Editing Movement

In recent weeks, Short Wave brings attention to a resurgence in the pursuit of gene-edited babies. Rob Stein reports that efforts to create genetically modified children are gaining momentum, driven by a coalition of scientists, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and pronatalists—individuals concerned about declining birth rates threatening humanity's future.

“The quest to produce gene edited children appears to be getting a reboot,” Stein explains ([02:05]).

This renewed interest involves diverse players, including venture capitalists and cryptocurrency billionaires, who are either investing in or founding startups dedicated to advancing gene-editing technologies. A notable development is the announcement of a new startup named the "Manhattan Project," founded by Kathy Tai and Ariana Hysoli, aimed at developing safer and more precise gene-editing techniques than CRISPR.

CRISPR and Emerging Gene-Editing Technologies

To provide context, Regina Barber prompts a discussion on CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing tool that allows scientists to modify DNA with unprecedented ease. “CRISPR can be kind of messy,” Rob Stein notes ([07:18]), highlighting the challenges associated with its precision and safety.

In response to CRISPR’s limitations, researchers are exploring newer methods like base editing, which promise greater accuracy and fewer off-target effects. Kathy Tai and her team aim to utilize these advanced techniques to eliminate genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer’s by editing embryos at the embryonic level ([07:46]).

Ethical and Societal Implications

The potential to edit human embryos raises significant ethical questions. Regina Barber draws parallels to the film Gattaca, which depicted a dystopian future of "designer babies," indicating public concern over the societal impact of such technologies.

“If this ever really became possible, how would it affect society, our sense of fear, family or relationship with our own genes?” Regina Barber asks ([01:48]).

Rob Stein echoes these concerns, discussing the blurred lines between therapeutic applications and enhancements, such as altering physical features or intelligence. The conversation extends to the formation of a coalition advocating for reproductive choices at the genetic level, driven by the belief that parents should have the freedom to use these technologies to benefit their children.

Scientific and Regulatory Perspectives

The scientific community remains divided on the issue. While some scientists support the potential benefits of gene editing for preventing hereditary diseases and advancing basic biological research, others warn against the ethical pitfalls and the possibility of a new era of eugenics.

“Human heritable germline editing is quite clearly a terrible solution in search of a problem,” remarks Regina Barber ([11:29]), emphasizing the irreversible consequences of mistakes in genetic modifications.

Dr. Paula Amato from Oregon Health and Science University stresses the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to strict oversight if gene editing research is to move forward. However, current U.S. regulations prohibit the creation of gene-edited babies, and major scientific organizations have called for a ten-year moratorium on such practices.

The Manhattan Project Startup

Kathy Tai’s startup, aptly named the "Manhattan Project," aims to navigate these regulatory and ethical challenges by demonstrating the safety and efficacy of new gene-editing techniques. The project plans to conduct methodical experiments, starting with mice and primates before progressing to human cells and embryos ([14:04]).

Despite the ambitious goals, the initiative faces significant skepticism and opposition from bioethicists who fear a recurrence of eugenic practices under the guise of scientific advancement. Hank Greely, a bioethicist at Stanford, likens the potential misuse of gene editing technologies to dangerous and sinister endeavors, raising alarms about the ethical trajectory of such research.

“We are breaking babies,” Regina Barber highlights a comment made by Hank Greely ([12:12]), underscoring the moral gravity of manipulating human genetics.

Future Outlook and Conclusion

The episode concludes by acknowledging the complex landscape of gene editing, where scientific possibilities collide with ethical constraints and societal fears. While proponents argue for the immense potential benefits of eliminating genetic diseases and enhancing human capabilities, critics caution against the moral and societal repercussions of such profound interventions.

“Some political forces whispering in his ear that have a decidedly pronatalist bent... are interested in these technologies,” Rob Stein notes ([11:36]), indicating the delicate balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.

As Short Wave wraps up, the hosts emphasize the need for ongoing dialogue and careful consideration as humanity stands on the brink of potentially redefining the essence of human reproduction and genetics.

Notable Quotes:

• “A year before the pandemic hit, a scientist in China made a shocking revelation to the world. He had secretly engineered the birth of the first gene edited babies.” — Regina Barber ([00:18])

• “Would parents have the freedom to use it in all sorts of ways, like physical features?” — Rob Stein ([08:29])

• “Human heritable germline editing is quite clearly a terrible solution in search of a problem.” — Regina Barber ([11:29])

• “We are breaking babies.” — Regina Barber, quoting Hank Greely ([12:12])

This episode of Short Wave offers a comprehensive exploration of the cutting-edge advancements and the profound ethical questions surrounding the potential creation of gene-edited babies. By featuring expert insights and addressing both the scientific and moral dimensions, Regina Barber and Rob Stein provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of a topic that sits at the intersection of innovation and ethics.