CRISPR
![An diagram shows the concept of editing a gene.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wcxvp2ACp3UarYDXKmCjDF-320-80.jpg)
Crispr technology is sort of like a pair of tiny and precise scissors for the molecular world. This gene-editing tool can snip out sections of DNA and replace them with new, healthy genetic stretches. Scientists and doctors have high hopes for its health implications, and they’ve used it to alter severe genetic defects in single-celled embryos. Here, Live Science brings you news and features surrounding Crispr achievements and challenges.
Latest about CRISPR
![A conceptual 3D illustration showing a strand of DNA being cut with large scissors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/55t3oEXoFbTmFeHN5jWYt8-320-80.jpg)
How does CRISPR work?
By Kamal Nahas last updated
CRISPR is a versatile tool for editing genomes and has recently been approved as a gene therapy treatment for certain blood disorders.
![A photo shows two male doctors in surgery garb as one preps a long needle for a procedure. A patient is under a blue sheet on an operating table but can't be seen.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Tc6A7AUp95rpdUktoCyvpj-320-80.jpg)
CRISPR can treat common form of inherited blindness, early data hint
By Sneha Khedkar published
In a small trial, some people with inherited vision loss experienced improvements in their sight after being treated with CRISPR.
![Close-up picture of Rick Slayman. He is sat on a hospital bed and wearing what looks like a black sweatshirt.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FsVNzSpJcmCsERxwtdG5FM-320-80.png)
1st person to receive a pig kidney transplant has died
By Emily Cooke published
Rick Slayman was the first person in the world to receive this pioneering surgery in March 2024.
![Virginijus Šikšnys (an older man with short brown hair and round glasses wearing a suit jacket) gestures toward a 3D model of DNA on a table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2AA5ifA89wDFjXDQXg5whX-320-80.jpg)
CRISPR 'will provide cures for genetic diseases that were incurable before,' says renowned biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Live Science spoke with biochemist Virginijus Šikšnys, whose work helped establish CRISPR as a gene-editing system.
![3d illustration of sickle-shape blood cells flowing through a blood vessel](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WCW3d3yc85PKJ6HYtmeLzB-320-80.jpg)
The world's 1st CRISPR therapy has been approved. Here's everything you need to know
By Emily Cooke last updated
Drug regulators have approved a CRISPR therapy called Casgevy to treat inherited blood disorders. But what is it and how does it work?
![illustration of healthy, round red blood cells and sickle shape blood cells flowing through a blood vessel](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YegvfGUhGPsnH9Ap3wz2JB-320-80.jpg)
1st gene therapies for sickle cell cleared by FDA, including CRISPR treatment
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The FDA approved two new therapies for sickle-cell disease, including the world's first-ever approved CRISPR therapy.
![close-up of a gloved hand using tweezers to pull genetic material from a suspended DNA molecule](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YzQWTW2zfXxYvJLENZqQnN-320-80.jpg)
Could CRISPR cure HIV someday?
By Jennifer Zieba published
An early-stage clinical trial raises hope for a new, single-dose HIV therapy that uses CRISPR, the famous gene-editing system.
![3d illustration of a Cas enzyme, part of the CRISPR system, cutting through a length of DNA](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3h2PgfG5GU53oAaqn7YJHg-320-80.jpg)
188 new types of CRISPR revealed by algorithm
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Researchers used an algorithm to scour databases of bacterial genomes for never-before-seen CRISPR systems.
![illustration shows a large orb (LDL) bound to a protein on the surface of a cell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VF5dpEcGty58M4WR7ueaH9-320-80.jpg)
CRISPR therapy for high cholesterol shows promise in early trial
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Using a CRISPR-guided technique called "base editing," scientists edited the genes of liver cells in 10 people's bodies.
![close up of a e. coli bacterial cell with wiggly projections. A large number of viruses can be seen landing on the part of the bacterium furthest from the viewer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b4Vc2JDaVhBwm6uznfLc6f-320-80.jpg)
Dangerous 'superbugs' are a growing threat, and antibiotics can't stop their rise. What can?
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Traditional antibiotics drive bacteria toward drug resistance, so scientists are looking to viruses, CRISPR, designer molecules and protein swords for better treatments.
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