Constantly thinking about the next meal doesn't have to be your reality
By applying the gene editing technique, the characteristics of the cell or organism are subject to change.
The cuts are made at specific DNA sequences using enzymes.
Gene editing can be used to either alter, remove, or add DNA to the genome.
Gene editing is the method of making precise and efficient changes to the DNA of a cell or organism.
The process has the potential to treat other infections and simple genetic conditions.
Gene editing can be used for research purposes, so scientists can change the DNA in cells or organisms and understand how they work.
It can also be used in agriculture, as a way to modify crops and improve resistance and production.
After the engineered nuclease enzyme cuts the DNA, the cell automatically repairs the cut.
Gene editing has also been used to create hornless cattle.
In the film, weaponized gene editing causes an albino gorilla, a wolf, and an alligator, to spontaneously grow to massive proportions.
Gene editing has been the focal point of many discussions after the release of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's new movie 'Rampage.'
The technology used in the movie is called CRISPR, a gene editing technique that has rocked the genetic manipulation field.
Scientists first noticed they could modify a cell's genome in the '90s, when they observed how certain bacteria managed to fight infections.
These enzymes are known as "engineered nucleases."
By interfering in the repair process, it is possible to make changes to that specific bit of DNA.
Gene editing can be used to treat diseases such as leukemia and AIDS.
When a bacteria encountered a new viral infection, they would incorporate sections of the viral DNA into their own genetic code.
In doing this, they could then easily identify and fight off the virus when they came across it again.
Scientists realized they could mimic this system economically and efficiently in any genetic code, giving birth to CRISPR.
In August 2017, scientists managed to successfully alter the DNA of human embryos for the first time, targeting a mutating gene.
Last year, scientists were also working on modifying pig DNA to make their organs safe for use in humans.
CRISPR’s popularity is also due to how cheap the technology is—anybody can purchase a CRISPR toolkit for less than US$50.
Most CRISPR scientists tend to distance themselves from the idea of producing "super-humans"—people with higher levels of intelligence or enhanced athletic abilities.
As published by Nature, the mutating gene was linked to a heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Although it may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, the quest for the so-called "designer baby" is real, and has become a concern for many.
CRISPR is now being hailed as one of the most promising technologies, and was even voted Science magazine's Breakthrough of The Year in 2015.
CRISPR researchers' main goal now is to "correct" deficiencies, as reported by Business Insider.
CRISPR has the potential to save lives and even engineer foods that will support the world's increasing population.
Although this technology is cutting edge, we don’t actually have to worry about monsters (just yet!).
Lately, gene editing has been at the forefront of science's most exciting breakthroughs. This DNA-altering technique could be used to eradicate diseases and improve agricultural production, but some fear this might spark the quest for "designer babies."
So what exactly is genome editing and how does it work? Learn more in the following gallery.
The gene editing debate: should we alter our children's DNA?
Genome editing is revolutionizing the scientific world
HEALTH Gene editing
Lately, gene editing has been at the forefront of science's most exciting breakthroughs. This DNA-altering technique could be used to eradicate diseases and improve agricultural production, but some fear this might spark the quest for "designer babies."
So what exactly is genome editing and how does it work? Learn more in the following gallery.