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Thanks to a revolutionary new tool that helps scientists manipulate genetics in animals, critters that were previously blind got at least part of their vision back. According to the Salk Institute researchers behind the experiment, these results could have a wide range of implications that could also be applied to a myriad of other crippling diseases. It’s basically one of those elusive holy grails of science.
The gene-editing tool in question is the CRISPR method, The Guardian reports, and it’s basically an all-in-one Swiss army knife for genetics. The researchers used it to replace the bad genes causing the blindness in the animals with good genes that partially restored their vision.
This is a huge step in medical and biological innovations, simply because it now allows scientists a wide range of possibilities when it comes to what they can do. In fact, they could actually use it to mutate humans if they wanted to.
Previously, the CRISPR method was developed in order to help make things like creating genetically-mutated lab mice for laboratories to run tests on much easier. This was an explosive innovation for scientists because the old way of creating mice with specific genetic faults or strengths was a laborious process that took a lot of time.
Now, it’s been proven that the powerful tool can actually be used for other things to benefit mankind, such as treating previously untreatable diseases. The lead scientists for the study is Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte and he notes how much of a scientific breakthrough the CRISPR method is.
“For the first time, we can enter into cells that do not divide and modify the DNA at will,” Professor Belmonte says. “The possible applications of this discovery are vast.”
The researchers aren’t stopping there, however, as the next step involves refining the process. Getting genomes to cooperate is still challenging, even with the help of CRISPR, MedicalXpress reports. However, thanks to the tool’s adaptability, scientists can make genetic manipulation safer and more efficient.
