Joe Rogan Stunned by Biotech CEO’s Revelation of China’s Gene-Edited ‘Super Babies’
Joe Rogan Stunned by Claims of China’s Gene-Edited ‘Smart Babies’
Podcaster Joe Rogan reacted with shock during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience after biotech entrepreneur Ben Lamm alleged that China is using gene-editing technology to engineer babies resistant to HIV—and possibly enhance intelligence. Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences (known for de-extinction projects like reviving the dire wolf), claimed Chinese scientists are pushing ethical boundaries with CRISPR-Cas9, a gene-editing tool.
HIV Resistance and the CRISPR Controversy
Lamm highlighted that Chinese researchers have already produced HIV-resistant infants by editing embryos, referencing Dr. He Jiankui’s 2018 experiment. Dr. He used CRISPR to alter embryos for eight couples with HIV-positive fathers, aiming to block transmission. Three babies were born, sparking global outrage. Chinese authorities jailed him for three years for illegal medical practices, though he was released in 2023.
Rogan expressed visible surprise as Lamm detailed China’s genetic engineering efforts.
Rumors of Intelligence Enhancement
More controversially, Lamm suggested China might be exploring edits to boost intelligence. He cited the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), linked to China’s government, which allegedly collected global DNA data under the guise of COVID-19 testing. “They’re openly sequencing populations to find intelligence genes,” Lamm said, prompting Rogan to gasp, “Ooh.” While unconfirmed, Lamm stressed these rumors are “very real,” not mere conspiracy.
Lamm claimed BGI’s COVID testing may have secretly gathered genetic data for research.
Ethical Alarms and Global Bans
Gene-editing embryos for reproduction is banned in China since 2003 and prohibited in the U.S. and Europe due to risks like unintended mutations and “designer baby” concerns. Rogan joked about “kids in labs with headsets,” but the reality raises dystopian questions. CRISPR’s long-term effects remain unknown, and “gene hacking” for traits like intelligence is legally forbidden.
CRISPR-Cas9 allows precise DNA edits, theoretically preventing diseases like HIV—or enabling enhancement.
BGI’s Role Under Scrutiny
BGI, accused of collaborating with the WHO during the pandemic, offered free COVID tests in exchange for genetic data. Critics allege this supported China’s gene research goals, though BGI hasn’t confirmed using samples for DNA analysis.
While Dr. He’s HIV-resistant babies marked a scientific milestone, the incident underscored ethical pitfalls. As Lamm warned, the line between disease prevention and genetic enhancement is blurring—with China at the forefront of this uncharted territory.
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