CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing began with the fortuitous discovery of repeating DNA palandromes and the genes that followed close behind them in the sequence. These patterns and genes were the building blocks for bacteria’s immune systems that identify and sever viral DNA to protect the bacteria from the virus. But, scientists were able to program these immune proteins to identify any particular DNA sequence, then cut and insert new DNA. The technology has been quickly commercialized, and many experts think we will see therapeutic applications within the next 10 years.
Video: How CRISPR gene editing technology came to dominate genetic engineering
August 1, 2014
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
Infographics | More... |
Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?
In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
Most Popular
- Is tilapia a human-made freak that we should avoid — or an evolutionary rockstar?
- 30 years later in Romania: What happened to the babies deprived of human contact?
- How microplastics impact our food and our health
- Viewpoint: Eugenics revival — From anti-immigration ‘Great Replacement Theory’ to Silicon Valley libertarian ‘pro-natalism’, ‘racial science’ is gaining a stronghold in the US
- Embryos aren’t female by ‘default’ after all, study shows
- Viewpoint: Regenerative agriculture has many different definitions. Here are 5 main principles — and whether they stand up to scrutiny
- Puppy love: When did the ‘unique and deeply ancient role of dogs as human companions’ begin?
- Dissecting claims about Monsanto suing farmers for accidentally planting patented seeds
- Debating sustainable agriculture: Weed management and crop biotechnology
- Marrying your cousin? There may be evolutionary benefits