"If I die of melanoma, it won't help anyone. If I die because of an experimental treatment, it will at least help science."

Sick man begs doctors: please CRISPR me

Genetic Lifehack

Malakkar Vohryzek is trying to find scientists willing to use CRISPR to gene-hack away his extreme sensitivity to sunlight in hopes of avoiding skin cancer.

Sick Man Begs Doctors: Please CRISPR Me

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2019/09/25/plea-to-scientists-crispr-me/">&#8216;I just want to live&#8217;: California man pleads with scientists around the world to ‘CRISPR me’</a> [STAT News]

More on CRISPR: <a href="https://futurism.com/crispr-protein-casx-gene-editing">Tiny New CRISPR Protein Could Make Human Gene-Hacking Less Risky</a>

Genetics

"I just want to live."

"It is the unanticipated outcome that is concerning."

Gene-hacking mosquitoes to be infertile backfired spectacularly

Unforeseen Consequences

When scientists released gene-hacked mosquitoes into the wild population in Jacobino, Brazil, they thought it would quell the bugs. They had no such luck.

Gene-Hacking Mosquitoes to Be Infertile Backfired Spectacularly

Life finds a way.

"The technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated at ever cheaper prices, democratising the ability to harm more quickly and lethally."

Future bioweapons could kill people with specific DNA

DNA Gun

A report from Cambridge University warns of the risk of unregulated bioweapons that could target specific races by their DNA.

Future Bioweapons Could Kill People With Specific DNA

That could mean weapons that only target specific ethnic groups.

"It’s obviously targeting me," claims a prominent biohacker.

New law requires “not for humans” label added to DIY CRISPR kits

DIY Not?

California just passed the first CRISPR law, and famous biohacker Josiah Zayner thinks he's the reason for the bill's creation.

New Law Requires “Not for Humans” Label Added to DIY CRISPR Kits

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/614100/dont-change-your-dna-at-home-says-americas-first-crispr-law/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don’t change your DNA at home, says America’s first CRISPR law</a> [MIT Technology Review]

More on Zayner: <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/biohacker-josiah-zayner-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This DIY Biohacker Is Under Investigation</a>

California doesn't want any more self-editors on its hands.

But after the international controversy over his work, the plans fell apart.

That "CRISPR baby" scientist wanted to open a designer baby clinic

Baby-Hacking Clinic

Before his controversial gene-hacking research was condemned, He Jiankui wanted to open a designer baby clinic in China or Thailand.

That “CRISPR Baby” Scientist Wanted to Open a Designer Baby Clinic

He Jiankui hoped to gene-hack babies for the rich and powerful.

It's willing to conduct experiments other nations shy away from.

China isn’t afraid to be the "bad guy" of CRISPR research

Greater Good

China has embraced CRISPR animal experiments in a way no other nation has, but the entire world may one day reap the benefits.

China Isn’t Afraid to Be the “Bad Guy” of CRISPR Research

And the world could reap the benefits, from disease cures to ending world hunger.

A gene therapy treatment for LCA already exists called Luxturna that involves injecting a modified virus that delivers the corrected gene into the retina's cells.

This human gene editing trial will use CRISPR to treat blindness

Cure the Blind

Up to 18 people will be part of the first ever human study in the U.S. that uses gene editing technique CRISPR inside the body to treat blindness.

This Human Gene Editing Trial Will Use CRISPR to Treat Blindness

It's the first-ever study in the U.S. that uses CRISPR inside the body.

And they think it could help fight disease in the future.

Chinese scientists say they’ve found a safer alternative to CRISPR

New Tool

Chinese researchers have created a CRISPR alternative called LEAPER that they say is less likely to trigger an unwanted immune response.

Chinese Scientists Say They’ve Found a Safer Alternative to CRISPR

It's less likely to trigger an unwanted immune system response, they claim.

They think gene-editing is a risk worth taking — if it means their babies will be able to hear.

Five couples agree to CRISPR their babies to avoid deafness

Sounds Controversial

Russian biologist Denis Rebrikov says he's found five couples who want him to use CRISPR to ensure their offspring do not inherit their deafness.

Five Couples Agree to CRISPR Their Babies to Avoid Deafness

But are the benefits of hearing worth the risks of gene editing?

"The Chinese government owes it to the international community to live up to the accountability they have promised."

We may never know when that third CRISPR baby is born

Baby Shower TBD

A third CRISPR baby was expected to be due in late June or early July, but the Chinese government is keeping quiet about the gene-hacking controversy.

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