New Atlas

Medical Audio available

New CRISPR-based system inserts new DNA without cutting and pasting

Michael Irving June 12, 2019

The CRISPR gene-editing system is a powerful tool, but sometimes cutting and pasting can have unwanted side effects. Now researchers from MIT and Harvard have developed a new CRISPR-based system that can insert new DNA sequences without cutting, which should make the process safer and more accurate.

A fluorescent image of the cyanobacteria that the researchers extracted the new CRISPR system from

Science Audio available

Chinese CRISPR gene-edited babies at risk of early death

Rich Haridy June 3, 2019

A massive genome study by two scientists from UC Berkeley has found the CRISPR gene edit, administered by a Chinese scientist last year that led to the birth of two healthy babies, may be associated with a higher rate of early mortality in later life.

A large study of people with the same genetic mutation introduced by Chinese scientists He Jiankui ...

Medical Audio available

Anti-CRISPR molecules discovered that can block the gene editing technology

Rich Haridy May 2, 2019

New work from the Broad Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital has presented a study that homes in on small molecules that may have the ability to safely block the CRISPR gene editing process.

Newly discovered anti-CRISPR molecules can quickly inhibit the activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process

Science Audio available

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"

Science Audio available

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 ...

Science Audio available

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 ...