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What is it? -

Gene editing is the method of making precise and efficient changes to the DNA of a cell or organism.

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Gene cutting -

The cuts are made at specific DNA sequences using enzymes.

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Gene cutting -

These enzymes are known as "engineered nucleases."

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DNA -

Gene editing can be used to either alter, remove, or add DNA to the genome.

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DNA -

By applying the gene editing technique, the characteristics of the cell or organism are subject to change.

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What is it used for? -

Gene editing can be used for research purposes, so scientists can change the DNA in cells or organisms and understand how they work.

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Treatment -

Gene editing can be used to treat diseases such as leukemia and AIDS.

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Genetic conditions -

The process has the potential to treat other infections and simple genetic conditions.

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Agriculture -

It can also be used in agriculture, as a way to modify crops and improve resistance and production.

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Agriculture -

Gene editing has also been used to create hornless cattle.

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Repair process -

After the engineered nuclease enzyme cuts the DNA, the cell automatically repairs the cut.

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Changes -

By interfering in the repair process, it is possible to make changes to that specific bit of DNA.

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'Rampage' -

Gene editing has been the focal point of many discussions after the release of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's new movie 'Rampage.'

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'Rampage' -

In the film, weaponized gene editing causes an albino gorilla, a wolf, and an alligator, to spontaneously grow to massive proportions.

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CRISPR -

The technology used in the movie is called CRISPR, a gene editing technique that has rocked the genetic manipulation field.

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CRISPR -

Scientists first noticed they could modify a cell's genome in the '90s, when they observed how certain bacteria managed to fight infections.

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CRISPR -

When a bacteria encountered a new viral infection, they would incorporate sections of the viral DNA into their own genetic code.

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CRISPR -

In doing this, they could then easily identify and fight off the virus when they came across it again.

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CRISPR -

Scientists realized they could mimic this system economically and efficiently in any genetic code, giving birth to CRISPR.

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CRISPR -

Although this technology is cutting edge, we don’t actually have to worry about monsters (just yet!).

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CRISPR -

CRISPR researchers' main goal now is to "correct" deficiencies, as reported by Business Insider.

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Designer babies -

In August 2017, scientists managed to successfully alter the DNA of human embryos for the first time, targeting a mutating gene.

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Designer babies -

As published by Nature, the mutating gene was linked to a heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.

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Designer babies -

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.

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Designer babies -

Most CRISPR scientists tend to distance themselves from the idea of producing "super-humans"—people with higher levels of intelligence or enhanced athletic abilities.

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Organ donation -

Last year, scientists were also working on modifying pig DNA to make their organs safe for use in humans.

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Potential -

CRISPR has the potential to save lives and even engineer foods that will support the world's increasing population.

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Toolkit -

CRISPR’s popularity is also due to how cheap the technology is—anybody can purchase a CRISPR toolkit for less than US$50.

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Promising -

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.

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