"We think it could open up a whole new set of medicines to go in and change your DNA."

CRISPR scientists hack patient's genes in bid to cure blindness

On Switch

Scientists just took their first stab at curing a genetic condition that causes blindness early in life through CRISPR gene-hacking.

CRISPR Scientists Hack Patient’s Genes in Bid to Cure Blindness

READ MORE: <a href="https://apnews.com/17fcd6ae57d39d06b72ca40fe7cee461">Doctors try 1st CRISPR editing in the body for blindness</a> [The Associated Press]

More on CRISPR: <a href="https://futurism.com/the-byte/human-gene-editing-trial-crispr-treat-blindness">This Human Gene Editing Trial Will Use CRISPR to Treat Blindness</a>

Genetics

"We literally have the potential to take people who are essentially blind and make them see."

Gene editing could supercharge the human immune system.

Human trial suggests CRISPR could be a viable cancer treatment

Safe Bet

Scientists just published the results of the United States first trial of CRISPR-edited cells in cancer patients — and they're very encouraging.

Human Trial Suggests CRISPR Could Be a Viable Cancer Treatment

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2232722-crispr-cancer-trial-finds-that-gene-edited-immune-cells-are-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CRISPR cancer trial finds that gene-edited immune cells are safe</a> [New Scientist]

More on the study: <a href="https://futurism.com/neoscope/study-crispr-fight-cancer-promising" target="_blank" rel="noopener">First U.S. Study to Use CRISPR to Fight Cancer &#8220;Very Promising&#8221;</a>

Cancer

This could be great news for experimental cancer treatments.

But it still hasn't released any details about the infant.

China quietly confirms birth of third gene-edited baby

Special Delivery

Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua has confirmed that a third gene-edited baby has been born as part of researcher He Jiankui's controversial experiment.

China Quietly Confirms Birth of Third Gene-Edited Baby

READ MORE: <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/30/c_138667350.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China Focus: Three jailed in China&#8217;s &#8220;gene-edited babies&#8221; trial</a> [Xinhua]

More on He Jiankui: <a href="https://futurism.com/neoscope/china-imprisoning-he-jiankui-gene-edited-babies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China Is Imprisoning the Scientist Who Gene-Edited Babies</a>

He Jiankui is headed to prison for creating three — not two — gene-edited babies.

It's only a preliminary step before such a treatment could be used in human trials.

First U.S. study to use CRISPR to fight cancer "very promising"

CRISPR Cancer

Researchers say they've determined a new cancer treatment that uses CRISPR to gene edit cells is safe and could be effective.

First U.S. Study to Use CRISPR to Fight Cancer “Very Promising”

READ MORE: <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/11/06/776169331/crispr-approach-to-fighting-cancer-called-promising-in-1st-safety-test">CRISPR Approach To Fighting Cancer Called &#8216;Promising&#8217; In 1st Safety Test</a> [NPR]

More on CRISPR: <a href="https://futurism.com/neoscope/man-doctors-crispr">Sick Man Begs Doctors: Please CRISPR Me</a>

"It really just opens up a whole world of this type of manipulation of cells.”

"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>

"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.

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