CRISPR

An diagram shows the concept of editing a gene.
(Image credit: vchal/Shutterstock)

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 trio of mushrooms sprouting from the forest floor.

Scientists discover possible antidote for death caps, the world's deadliest mushroom

By Jennifer Nalewicki published

A potential antidote for death cap mushrooms has been discovered and tested in lab dish studies and in mice.

Concept of gene editing. Here we see a gloved hand with tweezers pinching out a part of a DNA double helix.

Gene therapy: What is it and how does it work?

By Dr. David Warmflash published

Gene therapies treat or prevent disease by tweaking the content or expression of cells' DNA.

CRISPR concept art showing DNA being taken apart with tools in a Petri dish.

What is CRISPR, the powerful genome-editing tool?

By Aparna Vidyasagar, Nicoletta Lanese last updated

CRISPR-Cas9 is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes. It enables researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.

photo of a young smiling girl wearing black-framed glasses and holding a blue teddy bear while sitting up in a hospital bed

A teen's cancer is in remission after she received new cells edited with CRISPR

By Nicoletta Lanese published

A young girl entered remission after receiving an experimental cancer treatment.

Illustration of two woolly mammoths fighting during an ice age.

The CIA wants to bring woolly mammoths back from extinction

By Brandon Specktor published

The CIA is the latest investor in Colossal Biosciences, a company that wants to bring woolly mammoths and Tasmanian tigers back from extinction using DNA editing.

Cacao pod

Can Gene Editing Save the World's Chocolate?

By Laura Geggel last updated

Tasmanian tigers are extinct — but that could change within 10 years, scientists say.

Could extinct Tasmanian tigers be brought back from the dead?

By Mindy Weisberger published

Thylacines, or Tasmanian tigers, have been extinct for nearly 100 years. But scientists say gene-editing technology could bring back this lost species.

a submersible vehicle shown in the middle of the gulf of california

Newfound viruses named for Norse gods could have fueled the rise of complex life

By Nicoletta Lanese published

These viruses were found in hot springs and the deep sea.

An illustration of gene editing.

CRISPR stops coronavirus replication in human cells

By Rachael Rettner published

The method has not yet been tested on animals or people.

An image shows a tear gland grown from stem cells from a mouse in a petri dish. The researchers also grew human tear glands.

Scientists grew human tear ducts in a lab and taught them to cry

By Rafi Letzter published

The glands had no openings so they swelled up like "balloons."

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