Researchers have discovered a new genetic scissors that occurs naturally in animals, plants and fungi. So far, it is less effective than the bacterial CRISPR/Cas system, but could offer advantages in the future… more
Since the discovery of gene scissors ten years ago, great hopes have been placed on this genetic engineering tool in the fight against hereditary diseases, metabolic disorders and AIDS. Time for an initial assessment…. more
Many books and films show highly intelligent people with superpowers created using genetic engineering. This remains fiction – but therapeutic interventions are possible…. more
Wheat is the most widely cultivated crop. Is more targeted intervention in its genome necessary to feed the world’s population?… more
Researchers have discovered a Cas enzyme that can destroy DNA and RNA in cells when they are defective or infected by viruses… more
What happens in the first 14 days of a pregnancy has hardly been researched. Scientists therefore want to examine embryos. The results could give hope to couples who are unable to have children…. more
In cell cultures, researchers have succeeded in repairing gene mutations that cause muscle atrophy using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors. Studies on patients are now planned… more
A special procedure has made it possible to use CRISPR/Cas9 technology on the ISS for the first time. Using the gene scissors, astronauts can now study how cells repair damaged DNA in space… more
Researchers have genetically modified chickens and pigs so that all cells in their bodies produce the gene scissors Cas9. Genes can thus be switched off or modified in the living animal… more
The genetic defect, which leads to aging in childhood, could be corrected by a new form of therapy, and treatment successes in “progeria mice” give hope… more