Fanzor is the first CRISPR-like system found in complex life forms
Scientists have discovered Fanzor proteins, which work like CRISPR but are smaller and easier to deliver to cells, and used them to edit human DNA. Researchers have discovered a new gene-editing system similar to CRISPR in complex organisms, demonstrating for the first time that DNA-modifying proteins exist in all kingdoms of life.
Gene therapy treats or prevents diseases by changing the content or expression of DNA in cells
Gene therapy has made headlines in recent years, in part because of rapid advances in biotechnology that allow doctors to perform such treatments. Broadly speaking, gene therapy is a technique used to treat or prevent disease by changing the content or expression of DNA in cells, often by replacing defective genes with functional ones.
New technical capabilities increase knowledge about the structure and “behavior” of DNA
Scientists have identified tens of thousands of mysterious “knots” in human DNA that may play a key role in controlling gene activity. The activity of 4-strand DNA in living cells has been revealed. Synthetic DNA with four extra letters has been created. DNA twists into strange shapes to fit into cells.