CRISPR

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.

Related Topics: DNA and Genes, Medicine, Quantum Computers, Technology

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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.

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."

An illustration of gene editing.

What is a gene drive?

By Donavyn Coffey published

Gene drives are a way to get around the laws of heredity.

Chinese geneticist He Jiankui speaks during the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the University of Hong Kong on Nov. 28, 2018.

Creator of 1st CRISPR Babies Gets Prison Sentence, Reignites Ethical Debate

By Françoise Baylis published

Chinese researcher He Jiankui, who created the world's first genome-edited twins, has been sentenced to three years in prison.

An illustration of gene editing in an embryo.

Widely Publicized Study on CRISPR Babies' Gene Mutation Now Retracted for Errors

By Rachael Rettner published

A widely publicized study that suggested that the first gene-edited "CRISPR" babies could have shorter lifespans has been retracted due to crucial errors in the analysis.

The genetically-modified human twins were reportedly conceived through in vitro fertilization.

Gene-Edited Babies Reportedly Born in China. What Could Go Wrong?

By Yasemin Saplakoglu published

A scientist claims to have edited the genes of human embryos, creating the first genetically-modified babies.

CRISPR Gene Editing May Be Doing More Damage Than Scientists Thought

By Brandon Specktor published

In 15 percent of cases, cellular DNA was so scrambled that the cells lost function.

Cacao pod

Can Gene Editing Save the World's Chocolate?

By Laura Geggel last updated

This sequence of images shows the development of human embryos after they were injected with a gene-correcting enzyme and sperm from a donor with a genetic mutation known to cause a type of heart disease. 

Scientists Erase Heart Disease Defect in Human Embryos

By Tia Ghose published

A biologist in Oregon has successfully used CRISPR to edit single-celled embryos carrying severe genetic defects.

A scissors cuts up a piece of DNA.

Could CRISPR Sniff Out Viruses?

By Tracy Staedter published

The gene-editing tool CRISPR is fast becoming known for its potential to treat disease, but it also has other possible capabilities, such as the ability to screen people for viruses.

An diagram shows the concept of editing a gene.

10 Amazing Things Scientists Just Did with CRISPR

By Tracy Staedter published

With CRISPR technology, advances in gene editing are now coming fast and furious.

CRISPR-Cas system image of bacteria

CRISPR 'Kill' Switch Could Make Human Gene Editing Safer

By Tia Ghose published

A new viral protein could be used as an "off switch" for one of the most powerful and promising gene editing tools, potentially making it safer for human applications.

Burmese python

Snakes Used to Have Legs and Arms … Until These Mutations Happened

By Laura Geggel published