A revolution is taking place in science, one that could ultimately transform humanity. Brand new techniques enabling scientists and clinicians to manipulate and change the very genetic code of life itself are coming on-stream fast – and the implications are awe-inspiring, as well as frightening. We peer down the microscope for a glimpse of just how gene editing can change the world.

Back in 2018, a Chinese scientist called He Jianjui made headlines around the world by announcing the birth of the first ever gene-edited babies. An associate professor and biophysics researcher, He claimed to have used the sophisticated new DNA editing technique known as CRISPR to manipulate a gene called CCR5 in a pair of twin girls, named Nana and Lulu. This CCR5 gene codes for a particular protein that allows HIV to infect human cells. By disabling this specific gene, He claimed to have genetically engineered Nana and Lulu to be resistant to diseases.