CRISPR

Genetic mutations can lead to diseases like cancer. In a new study, researchers have used the gene-editing technology CRISPR/Cas 9 in a less commonly used way, producing liver cancer tumors to better understand the genetic mutations underlying them.

Using a refined version of the CRISPR gene-editing tool, researchers have restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa. The results may open the door for treatments for the one in 5,000 humans afflicted with the blindness-inducing condition.

Swimmers who wore Speedo’s controversial LZR Racer suit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics broke 23 world records, proving that being more streamlined has advantages. A new study out of Japan has shown that the same theory applies to sperm.

Scientists have found a way to fight cancer with cancer, by genetically engineering cancer cells to release drugs at established tumor sites and stimulating the immune system. Tests in mice showed promise as both a therapy and preventative vaccine.

Researchers have resurrected ancient CRISPR proteins from millions and even billions of years ago. Not only can they still edit human cells, but they’re more versatile than modern versions, paving the way for new synthetic CRISPR gene-editing tools.

Breeding plants can give them new beneficial traits, but trees have a frustratingly long reproductive cycle. Now, scientists at the University of Georgia have used CRISPR gene-editing to make poplar trees flower within months rather than a decade.

A teenager in the UK has become the first person to be treated with a revolutionary new gene editing therapy. The patient's incurable leukemia was effectively cleared using "base-edited" immune T-cells from a donor.

A new technique has been added to the CRISPR gene-editing toolbox. Known as PASTE, the system uses virus enzymes to “drag-and-drop” large sections of DNA into a genome, which could help treat a range of genetic diseases.

In a new study described as "seminal" and "pioneering", researchers in the US have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology to create personalized cancer-targeting immune cells, paving the way for future customized cancer treatments.

Scientists have demonstrated a new potential way to edit the genomes of bacteria in complex environments, by equipping viruses to hunt them down and insert the CRISPR gene-editing system.

Colossal has plans to resurrect the mammoth, and now it's revealed the second species on its de-extinction list – Australia’s lost thylacine. Partnering with a University of Melbourne lab, the project could revive the creature in about a decade.

Scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new variation on the CRISPR gene-editing system, which involves fixing a mutation on one chromosome by copying a healthy version from the other. “Nicking” the DNA also seemed to work better than cutting it.