Month: October 2015

The genome editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9 has taken the biology world by storm. Initially it was primarily used to knock-out (literally, to make inoperative) specific genes, however, scientists have now figured out how to use the system to knock-in genes as well as edit the...

All eyes were on Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) Monday morning, but another ‘V’ name deserves credit for enabling some real science. Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) on Monday climbed aboard the gene editing bandwagon with a $105 million commitment to CRISPR Therapeutics, one of a few recent startups...

Controlling genes using CRISPR shows high degree of specificity By Ken Kingery Researchers have demonstrated the exceptional specificity of a new way to switch sequences of the human genome on or off without editing the underlying genetic code. Originally discovered as an antiviral system in...

WHY IT MATTERS Genetic engineering of animals will open up remarkable possibilities in medicine and agriculture but also could lead to new ethical dilemmas. Beagles named Hercules, at left, and Tiangou are the world’s first gene-edited dogs. Man’s best friend is now his newest genetic...