By Matt Lindzon
Starting now, scientists can successfully edit the DNA of viable human embryos using the new gene-editing tool called Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat commonly known as CRISPR. It can efficiently tweak almost any gene in any animal or plant. This technology could be the first step in preventing infants from having incurable diseases or disorders. Despite all its benefits, CRISPR has stirred up some discussion on the ethical implications of genetically altering human embryos. Though, in this article, we’re going to focus on the positives:
CRISPR HAS STIRRED UP SOME DISCUSSION ON THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF GENETICALLY ALTERING HUMAN EMBRYOS.
- Scientists have been able to successfully reverse signs of Huntington’s disease as they were able to remove corresponding genes from test mice. The researchers are one step closer to using this technology on humans. It is entirely likely that this brilliant technique could one day be used on humans as well.
- CRISPR Gene editing has been used by researchers to make viruses force superbugs to kill themselves. Scientists are hopeful that they will be capable of developing new ways of conquering antibiotic-resistant pathogens. https://twitter.com/merebauer/status/897957502175682560
nobeastsofierce/Shutterstock - Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have used gene editing to eliminate HIV from three different living animal models. CRISPR allowed them to remove the virus DNA which cleared up acute and latent infections.
- Using CRISPR, mosquito-borne diseases could be eliminated. Scientists have discovered a technique that can limit the outbreak of mosquitoes by editing their fertility genes.
- Thanks to CRISPR, we can now target the hybrid fusion genes that sometimes trigger tumour growth of cancer. Researchers have made a cancer-defeating gene that can even shrink tumours in mice who have prostate and liver cancer cells.