Maybe China doesn’t care what you think about CRISPR babies

China's win-at-all-costs approach suggests it will follow its own dangerous path in biomedicine [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 17 December 2018 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair Editor's note Much of the scientific world is still reeling from a Chinese scientist’s recent claim that he’d edited the genes of human embryos later born as twin girls, with critics focusing on lapses of ethics and research norms. Historian of biology Hallam Stevens suggests that China’s freewheeling business culture has bled into its approach to biotech – a field the country has prioritized. With China forging its own way as it races forward, [CRISPR babies may be an early sign of what’s to come](. Obamacare is under attack again, after a Texas judge ruled Dec. 14 that the landmark health care law is unconstitutional. The ruling will have little immediate effect, write West Virginia University health policy scholars Simon Haeder and Valarie Blake, but it does show the [lengths to which opponents will go]( to attack the law. And, it puts the law back at the top of action items for a new Democratic House. And this month is the 45th anniversary of “The Exorcist,” the terrifying story of a young girl possessed by a demon. Part of the movie’s draw for many viewers was its depiction of the Christian practice of exorcism. Scholar S. Kyle Johnson writes about how demons are an important part of how “[Christians have understood their faith and the world](.” Maggie Villiger Science + Technology Editor Top stories Megacity Shenzhen, as seen from Hong Kong, is a center for Chinese finance and tech. AP Photo/Kin Cheung [China’s win-at-all-costs approach suggests it will follow its own dangerous path in biomedicine]( Hallam Stevens, Nanyang Technological University CRISPR babies may be just the beginning. China has a different take than the West on ethics and how to get ahead in business and other endeavors. Austin, Texas contractor Mike Hewitt, who depends on insurance provided by the Affordable Care Act. A Texas judge ruled Dec. 14, 2018 that the law is unconstitutional. Eric Gay/AP Photo [Why the Texas ruling on Obamacare is on shaky legal ground]( Simon F. Haeder, West Virginia University; Valarie Blake, West Virginia University A judge in Texas ruled Dec. 14 that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. His ruling has no immediate effect, however, except to signal more perils ahead for the health care law. A painting showing Saint Francis Borgia, a 16th century saint,, performing an exorcism. Francisco Goya [Exorcisms have been part of Christianity for centuries]( S. Kyle Johnson, Boston College Forty-five years ago, 'The Exorcist' terrified viewers with its portrayal of a practice that goes back several centuries and continues today in Christianity. 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Most read on site - [You may not even need a telescope to see Comet 46P/Wirtanen in the night sky this month]( Shannon Schmoll, Michigan State University A bright comet visible in December provides an excellent viewing opportunity for night sky lovers – even potentially with the naked eye. - [What winter solstice rituals tell us about indigenous people]( Rosalyn R. LaPier, The University of Montana For indigenous peoples, winter solstice has been a time to honor their ancient sun deity. Their rituals reveal a deep understanding of the natural world. - [Time travel is possible – but only if you have an object with infinite mass]( Gaurav Khanna, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Who wouldn't want to travel in time, glimpsing the dinosaurs or peeking at humans 2,000 years from now? Now physicists have designed a time machine that seems deceptively simple. Today’s quote [I applied the lessons from my academic study of bargaining and negotiation to my personal life. So, with another holiday season upon us, here’s some guidance on how to negotiate with your partner while strengthening this critical relationship.]( [Tips from negotiation experts for truly happy holidays]( Rachel Croson Michigan State University [Rachel Croson] [Follow us on Twitter.]( [Join us on Facebook.]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly](. We’ll miss you. 89 South Street - Suite 202 Boston, MA 02111