Last week we looked at the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the hepatitis C virus; there was some interest in also discussing the chemistry prize announced shortly before that post went up. That prize was shared by Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for their contributions to developing the genetic engineering pathway based on CRISPR and Cas9. The system uses small RNA molecules to target DNA with complementary sequence for modification, allowing researchers to make specific modifications to just about any part of the DNA genome of an organism. It has found applications both in basic science research and medicine; for the latter, it brings the possibility that diseases like sickle cell anemia with known genetic causes can be treated at that genetic root.
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genetic modification
Science Corner: Designer Genes
It’s been a busy week in the world of applied biology. Genetically modified mosquitoes were released in the Cayman Islands in an effort to disrupt Zika virus transmission; Florida is considering a similar intervention now that infections have occurred there. While the FDA approved the use of such mosquitoes, Congress has prevented it from even considering any procedures that intentionally modify human embryos in an inheritable way. Meanwhile, the NIH is preparing to fund research involving human-animal hybrids (think pigs with organs suitable for human transplant, not centaurs or werewolves). And that’s not to mention the ongoing conversation about the use of genetically modified organisms for food which factors into the political landscape this election season.
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