What is CRISPR? By: Nicea Ali

This blog features CRISPR. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a technology that allows scientists to edit DNA in living organisms. It uses a protein that acts like molecular scissors to cut DNA at specific locations, allowing researchers to remove, add, or replace genetic material. The system was first discovered in bacteria and later adapted for gene editing. According to the National Institutes of Health, CRISPR is widely used because it is faster and more precise than older gene-editing methods. Scientists believe CRISPR could lead to major medical breakthroughs. Researchers are studying how it could treat genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease and other inherited disorders determined through DNA testing. It may also help create crops that are more resistant to disease and environmental changes. However, CRISPR raises ethical concerns. Some people worry about editing human embryos because the changes could be passed to future generations. Others are concerned about “designer babies” and unintended DNA changes. Overall, CRISPR has great potential, but careful regulation and ethical discussion are needed to ensure it is used responsibly.

Works Cited:

Prillaman, M. (2024, June 10). Stanford explainer: CRISPR, gene editing, and beyond. News.stanford.edu; Stanford Report. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/stanford-explainer-crispr-gene-editing-and-beyond

​Smith, K. (2024). What is CRISPR? | national institute of general medical sciences. Nih.gov. https://nigms.nih.gov/biobeat/2024/10/what-is-crispr