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Vivid Biology is on sabbatical until 2028
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Vivid Biology is on pause from 2025 to 2028. This is because Claudia is living in Madrid, Spain.

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CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing: Biology, Technology and Ethics
CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing: Biology, Technology and Ethics
CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing: Biology, Technology and Ethics
2018
Jennifer Doudna

Summary of the science

The genome can be edited using proteins taken from bacteria. This protein is known as the Cas9 protein and when given a guide molecule, it can find DNA that contains the same sequence and cuts in, resulting in a gap. DNA molecules in the surrounding environment are then used to repair that gap. This technology therefore represents an accurate method of changing the genetic sequence of individuals and is a massive breakthrough in biochemistry. Jennifer Doudna developed this technology and her lab study how this technology may be used for other purposes.

About the research

Jennifer Doudna is a Nobel-prize winning scientist who has been credited with development of CRISPR-Cas gene editing, along with fellow researcher Emmanuelle Charpentier. Her lab's research continues to develop this technology, studying novel applications for the CRISPR-Cas system.

About the illustration