#CRISPR

How do you protect crops from diseases, insects and other pests when pesticides have a serious sulphur smell? Scientific research proposes to modify plants using genetic editing resources. Biotechnology advocates swear that these modified plants are not GMOs and

The Chinese twins born last year from embryos genetically modified by the "CRISPR" molecular scissors probably have unexpected mutations in their genome as a result of this manipulation. This information was revealed by an American journalist on December 3 after obtaining an unpublished version of the study detailing the experiment.

Between Ebola that kills and the flu that knocks us down, there is one thing in common: both diseases, like many others, are caused by an RNA virus. This type of virus is the cause of the world's most common but deadly diseases.

The information was published in China in the Beijing National Science Review on March 27 and revealed to the world by the MIT Review today, April 10. Chinese geneticists are believed to have succeeded in introducing copies of a human gene suspected of playing a role in the development of the brain of monkeys.

The information had been around the world last November. A Chinese researcher, Jiankui He, alone in his laboratory, reportedly delivered the first two genetically modified babies. Using the CRISPR molecular scissors, he would have intervened on certain genes to prevent these babies from getting HIV.

The mastery of CRISPR, this overpowering tool of genetic manipulation, is making progress every day, leading us into increasingly worrying territories. American scientists announce that they have succeeded for the first time in modifying the hereditary traits of a mammal. Mice have been treated with

Thanks to CRISPR, this Chinese researcher was able, almost alone, to produce genetically modified babies. The information went around the world in just a few hours: a Chinese researcher announced this week that he had been able to deliver two genetically modified babies. A world premiere that has propelled

This information resembles a dramatic escalation with ethical consequences: a Chinese scientist claims to be at the origin of the birth of Lulu and Nana, two twins whose genes he modified using the CRISPR-Cas9 tool. Genetically modified babies, a world first that the whole community is now aware of

The U.S. military is studying the possibility of creating a new type of biological weapon. It would involve insects selected to carry a genetically modified virus. The objective of this plan, deployed through DARPA, the U.S. Army's research agency, is to rapidly deploy this armada if critical crops for

Malaria, Zika, chikungunya... are terrible scourges. Caused by mosquitoes that all the affected countries intend to eradicate. Researchers have long been examining chemical (insecticides), physical (radiation), transgenic solutions... Nothing seems to be effective enough next to a bludgeoning weapon: genetic forcing. It is a

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics in the United Kingdom says that it is acceptable to genetically manipulate human embryos, as long as the interventions do not harm the child or society as a whole. The council takes a surprisingly progressive position on this issue, but we are still a long way from

The scientific-economic-judicial battle has been raging for ten years. Are organisms (plants or animal species) modified by genetic engineering tools such as CRISPR GMOs or not? The Court of Justice of the European Union has just handed down its verdict, which will henceforth set a precedent: organisms modified by

Yi Li is a professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Connecticut. He is a world-renowned specialist in plant physiology, biotechnology and breeding. Author of an impressive number of scientific papers, he has developed several notable transgenic technologies such as the development of fruit