CRISPR

Science

MIT and Harvard use CRISPR to "edit" DNA gels for diagnostic devices

New MIT and Harvard research shows how versatile CRISPR is, putting the genetic scissors to work in diagnostic tools and timed drug delivery systems.

Genes and proteins in cells interact in many different ways. Each dot represents a gene; the lines are their interactions. For the first time, the new method uses biotechnology to influence entire gene networks in a single step

Medical

CRISPR breakthrough allows scientists to edit multiple genes simultaneously

An incredible new breakthrough from scientists at ETH Zurich has, for the first time, demonstrated a new CRISPR method that can modify dozens of genes simultaneously, allowing for more large-scale cell reprogramming.

Using a novel combination of a new drug therapy and the CRISPR gene editing tool, scientists have eliminated HIV from the genomes of living animals for the first time

Medical

Scientists combine CRISPR and drug therapy to cure HIV infection in mice for the first time

A permanent cure for HIV has remained elusive. But scientists have now made a significant breakthrough in this area, using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool to entirely remove the virus from the genomes of living animals for the first time ever.

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

Medical

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

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.

He Jiankui (pictured) was sentenced to three years jail and fined three million yuan

Science

Chinese CRISPR gene-edited babies at risk of early death

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.

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

Medical

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

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.

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

Science

CRISPR used to build dual-core computers inside human cells

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.

The new hairpin lock – blue section at the top left – folds back on itself until it finds the target DNA sequence

Biology

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

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.

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

Medical

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

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.”

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

Science

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

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.

Some scientists suggest a moratorium on gene editing is an unnecessary distraction from the regulatory conversation that needs to take place

Science

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

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.

Over a dozen influential scientists are presenting a proposal for a temporary moratorium on human gene editing following the controversial announcement last year of the world's first gene edited babies being born in China

Science

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

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.