A new research paper has again raised doubts over the safety and accuracy of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique. The study suggests that the gene editing process can cause extensive unforeseen and unpredictable alterations to DNA sequences outside of the intended targets.
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The CRISPR gene editing revolution is less than a decade old and scientists are still learning how best to deploy this ground-breaking technique. A team has recently discovered why the technique sometimes fails, uncovering a novel insight that will hopefully make future research more efficient.
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When it comes to treatments for constipation, the options aren't plentiful, nor are they always particularly effective. Help may be on the way, however, in the form of genetically-engineered bacteria.
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Two new studies are raising concerns that the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system could trigger an increased cancer risk in cells. With human trials using the technique starting this year, the scientists behind these new studies urge researchers to be aware of this cancer-driving mechanism.
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Allowing scientists to make cut-and-paste edits to an organism’s genome, the CRISPR gene-editing tool may be powerful, but it’s still a bit clumsy. Now, researchers have developed a neater new version dubbed MAGESTIC, which they describe as swapping the scissors for a word processor.
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A team from Duke University has used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technique to switch off certain genes in mice to reduce cholesterol levels, marking the first time CRISPR has been used to silence genes – without making edits – in adult animals.
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A statement issued by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue last week has clarified that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) currently does not, and has no plans to, regulate gene edited plants or crops.
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Last year, a study caused controversy claiming to find over 100 unintended large genetic deletions or insertions related to the CRISPR gene-editing process. Now the paper has been officially retracted after a thorough review found its main claims were not sufficiently backed up by data.
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Scientists have revealed that a genetic tweak to a single protein could result in crops needing up to 25 percent less water to produce a regular yield. It's hoped the breakthrough will lead to a new generation of water-efficient agriculture.
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A team from the University of Cambridge and a Dutch company called Hoekmine BV has outlined how we might one day grow new organic paints and coatings out of vibrantly-colored bacteria colonies.
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