New Atlas

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CRISPR used to build dual-core computers inside human cells

Michael Irving April 17, 2019

The CRISPR gene-editing system is usually known for helping scientists treat genetic diseases, but the technology has a whole range of possible uses in synthetic biology too. Now researchers at ETH Zurich have used CRISPR to build functional biocomputers inside human cells.

CRISPR has been used to insert biological computer processors into human cells

Biology Audio available

CRISPR breakthrough uses "hairpin lock" for more precise genetic engineering

Michael Irving April 16, 2019

The CRISPR gene-editing system is incredibly accurate, but it’s not unusual for it to be a little bit off target sometimes. Now, biomedical engineers at Duke University have created an RNA “lock” that can apparently make the system far more precise, and it works with all kinds of CRISPR variations.

The new hairpin lock – blue section at the top left – folds back on itself ...

Medical

A DNA "shredder" is the latest CRISPR gene-editing tool

Michael Irving April 9, 2019

CRISPR-Cas9 acts like a pair of molecular scissors and enables precise cut-and-paste DNA edits. But now, researchers have developed a new genetic tool that, they say, acts more like a motorized DNA “shredder.”

A new gene-editing enzyme called CRiSPR-Cas3 could function like a "DNA shredder"

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World's first gene-edited lizards are in the pink

Ben Coxworth April 4, 2019

Although they're commonly known as brown anoles, there are now four Anolis sagrei lizards at a University of Georgia lab that are actually pink. They're the result of the world's first successful attempt at producing a genetically modified reptile. The research could have implications for humans.

One of the four albino anoles, alongside a non-modified example

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WHO calls for global gene editing research registry as debate over moratorium rages

Rich Haridy March 24, 2019

Following a recent call for a moratorium on human germline gene editing, several scientists have pushed back, claiming prohibition is redundant and problematic. The WHO's panel on the topic also sidestepped the issue, instead recommending a central registry on human gene editing research be created.

Some scientists suggest a moratorium on gene editing is an unnecessary distraction from the regulatory conversation ...

Science Audio available

Coalition of scientists and ethicists call for immediate moratorium on human gene editing

Rich Haridy March 13, 2019

A collective of researchers and ethicists is calling for an urgent global moratorium on human germline gene editing, suggesting serious discussions on technical, scientific, medical, societal, ethical and moral issues need to be had before scientists move forward with the controversial technique.

Over a dozen influential scientists are presenting a proposal for a temporary moratorium on human gene ...

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First CRISPR therapy administered in landmark human trial

Rich Haridy February 26, 2019

The first confirmed CRISPR gene editing clinical trial to take place outside of China is officially underway, after pharmaceutical companies CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex revealed a human patient has been administered the experimental treatment targeting a rare blood disease.

The first reported human trial outside of China using CRISPR gene editing is now officially underway ...

Medical Audio available

Geneticists use CRISPR to cut toxic protein out of the aging equation

Nick Lavars February 20, 2019

A team of genetic scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a new therapy using the CRISPR/Cas9 tool that takes a toxic protein out of the aging equation, with some promising results.

A new technology developed at the Salk Institute has revealed a new pathway in the development ...

Science

Landmark research creates “universal” stem cells using CRISPR gene editing

Rich Haridy February 18, 2019

In an incredible milestone, scientists have for the first time created “universal” stem cells by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted into any patient without generating an immune system response.

Human heart muscle cells derived from the new CRISPR-engineered "universal" stem cells

Medical Audio available

CRISPR-CasX could be the next small gene-editing enzyme

Michael Irving February 6, 2019

In the world of gene-editing, CRISPR and Cas9 usually go hand in hand, but that might not necessarily be the best pairing. Now, researchers at UC Berkeley have tested a new candidate, CasX, which seems to have a few advantages of its own.

The structure of the CasX enzyme (grey), which uses RNA (red) to target and cut DNA ...