CRISPER USES & CLAIMS
CRISPR is one of the latest genetic tools that allows scientists to make changes to DNA, the molecule that carries the instructions for how living things grow and function. The name CRISPR stands for “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats,” which refers to a system found in some bacteria. Scientists have adapted this system, along with a special protein called Cas9, to cut and edit DNA at desired spots.
Researchers state that this tool has revolutionized science, making it easier to study genes, fix genetic problems, and explore new treatments for diseases. They are described as having a pair of molecular scissors that can rewrite the code of life. Introduced in 2012, it quickly became a preferred option over older methods, like TALENs and zinc-finger nucleases, which were more costly and time-consuming. Since then, CRISPR has been adopted worldwide, revolutionizing how scientists edit genes and study DNA.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how CRISPR technology works:
1. Find the Target DNA: Scientists identify the specific DNA sequence they want to edit, like finding a typo in a book.
2. Guide the Tool: They create a “guide RNA” to lead the CRISPR system to the exact spot in the DNA.
3. Cut the DNA: The Cas9 protein, acting like molecular scissors, cuts the DNA at the target location.
4. Repair or Edit: The cell tries to repair the cut. Scientists can either let the cell fix it naturally or insert new DNA to make specific changes.
This technology has been widely used in fields of medicine, agriculture, research, and biotechnology.
Below is a brief description of the adoption of this latest advance in genetic engineering according to CRISPR supporters.
But how safe is it?
Medicine:
• Developing gene therapies to treat genetic disorders (i.e., sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis).
• Researching cutting-edge cancer treatments by modifying immune cells to target cancer.
• Exploring treatments for viral infections, (i.e., HIV and COVID-19).
Agriculture:
• Studying crop resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stress.
• Researching enhanced nutritional content and shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
• Creating disease-resistant livestock.
Scientific Research:
• Studying how genes work and understanding diseases at a deeper level.
• Creating animal models to mimic human diseases for research.
Biotechnology:
• Engineering microbes to produce biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals.
• Developing new diagnostic tools for detecting diseases more accurately.
Conservation and Ecology:
• Theoretically protecting endangered species by editing genes for disease resistance.
• Attempting to control invasive species or pests through gene drives.
According to the research, GMOs 2.0 herald in an incredible breakthrough in modern society.
Is that true?