New CRISPR method edits crops without technically making them GMOs

CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing is one of the most powerful tools available to modern science, but genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in food are subject to some tight regulations. Now, researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new vers… Continue reading New CRISPR method edits crops without technically making them GMOs

Genetically-manipulated male mosquitoes could eliminate females

Several years ago, we heard how scientists were looking at eradicating malaria-carrying mosquitoes by making the females infertile. Now they’re going a step further, by eliminating the females altogether.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Mosquito,… Continue reading Genetically-manipulated male mosquitoes could eliminate females

Stressed-out plants pass down “memories” to make offspring stronger

Like any good parent, it turns out that plants can use their own experience to teach their offspring about how to overcome tough times. Geneticists at Penn State University have manipulated the expression of one gene in a plant that makes them more res… Continue reading Stressed-out plants pass down “memories” to make offspring stronger

Scientists use mushroom DNA to produce permanently-glowing plants

While bioluminescent mushrooms certainly are fascinating, getting the things to grow in your home or garden can be challenging. Thanks to a new study, however, it may soon be possible to buy glowing versions of otherwise-conventional easily grown plant… Continue reading Scientists use mushroom DNA to produce permanently-glowing plants

Deep roots, edited genes and a plan to fight climate change with supercharged plants

There are quite a few ways we could benefit from tweaking the genetic makeup of plants. Scientists making breakthroughs in this area hail exciting new possibilities around improved crop security, new kinds of naturally sourced medicines, and … Continue reading Deep roots, edited genes and a plan to fight climate change with supercharged plants

Engineering plants for better root microbiomes would unlock land for staple crops

A Stanford University team led by associate professor of chemical engineering Elizabeth Sattely is developing genetically engineered plants that can better absorb iron from the soil. By making it easier to ingest the trace mineral, it may be … Continue reading Engineering plants for better root microbiomes would unlock land for staple crops

Scientists combine CRISPR and drug therapy to cure HIV infection in mice for the first time

Though advances in medicine have greatly improved the lives of HIV sufferers and made the virus much more manageable, a permanent cure has remained elusive. Scientists have now made a significant breakthrough in this area, using the CRISPR-Ca… Continue reading Scientists combine CRISPR and drug therapy to cure HIV infection in mice for the first time

New CRISPR-based system inserts new DNA without cutting and pasting

The CRISPR gene-editing system is a powerful tool that looks set to revolutionize the way we treat diseases, as well as basically anything else that can benefit from precisely manipulating DNA. The problem is that sometimes cutting and pastin… Continue reading New CRISPR-based system inserts new DNA without cutting and pasting

Chinese CRISPR gene-edited babies at risk of early death

Last year, Chinese scientist He Jiankui shocked the world with the revelation the first ever CRISPR gene-edited babies had been born. It was revealed at least two babies had been born with explicit modifications to a gene called CCR5. A massi… Continue reading Chinese CRISPR gene-edited babies at risk of early death

Genetically modified fungus kills malaria-spreading mosquitos in landmark West African trial

A genetically modified fungus designed to safely reduce malaria-spreading mosquito populations has, for the first time, been successfully tested outside of laboratory conditions in a simulated village environment in Burkina Faso, West Africa…. Continue reading Genetically modified fungus kills malaria-spreading mosquitos in landmark West African trial