CRISPR-Act 3.0
Plant scientists at the University of Maryland describe a gene enhancement approach with rice, tomatoes, and Arabadopsis. “This third generation CRISPR system focuses on multiplexed gene activation, meaning that it can boost the function of multiple genes simultaneously. According to the researchers, this system boasts four to six times the activation capacity of current state-of-the-art CRISPR technology, demonstrating high accuracy and efficiency in up to seven genes at once. While CRISPR is more often known for its gene editing capabilities that can knock out genes that are undesirable, activating genes to gain functionality is essential to creating better plants and crops for the future.” It may be worth remembering that human eugenics began with plant genetics. MORE
Image Credit: NIH