What’s The Latest On CRISPR Gene Editing Technology? - Yahoo

Scientists have long used a powerful gene-editing tool called CRISPR to make precise changes to DNA. But a different version of the technology, known as Cas13a, targets RNA, the genetic material found in viruses such as HIV. Now, researchers at Rice University have developed an improved version of Cas13a that could make it easier to detect HIV and other RNA viruses in blood and environmental samples. The study was published in Cell Chemical Biology. Any enzyme used in an assay needs to be both sensitive and stable. It needs to be able to detect very small amounts of RNA while enduring harsh conditions, like high temperatures. Here, we took a stable Cas13a and engineered it to have the desired sensitivity. "

Original story from Cornell University (NY, USA). A new engineered gene editing system, proven in bacteria and with promise for use in plants, animals and humans, addresses some of the limitations of current gene editing tools with the hope of improving their applications for research, for better crops or to treat diseases.