Gene mutation meant to protect from HIV 'raises risk of early death'

China accuses gene-edit scientist of chasing fame as US research links mutation to shorter life expectancy

A genetic mutation that a Chinese scientist tried to create in twin girls born last year, in the hope of protecting them against HIV, has been found to raise the risk of an early death.

He Jiankui at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen sparked an international outcry in November when he announced the birth of twin girls, Lulu and Nana, after he edited the DNA in their embryos.