New method for genome editing

Editing the genome can now be much more precise, thanks to researchers at MIT, Broad Institute and Rockefeller University.

They developed a new method which uses a bacterial protein that normally protects the cell from viral invaders.  It is a promising alternative to zinc finger nucleases and other current methods because it is cheaper and easier to use. It is also faster, as scientists can alter several sequences at once and have more control over where new sequences are inserted.

For now, this method has only been used on cells grown in the lab, but researchers plan to apply the technology first to brain development. There are wider applications of this new method, from genetic diseases, modified food, biofuels, and even advances in HIV treatment. It may also be helpful in studying human disease as new modifications to the genome can be experimented with.

— With files from Science Daily