«A DNA-editing technology called CRISPR has rapidly become one of the most popular ways to alter genomes. .. It has already been used to modify human embryos, it works in everything from wheat to mice.» «CRISPR … relies on an enzyme called Cas9 that uses a guide RNA molecule to home in on its target DNA, then edits the DNA to disrupt genes or insert desired sequences. Researchers often need to order only the RNA fragment; the other components can be bought off the shelf. Total cost: as little as $30. That effectively democratized the technology so that everyone is using it,” says James Haber
CRISPR: the good, the bad and the unknown
«Concerns about its risks temper excitement about its usefulness. It has already been used to modify human embryos, and the technology could alter wild animal populations; it works in everything from wheat to mice. Nature brings together research, reporting and expert opinion on gene-editing and its implications.»
Contributor: NLazarte