Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gene editing just got easier

Researchers have developed a simpler and faster CRISPR method that allows for off-the-shelf genome engineering, reducing the barrier to entry for this powerful technology. The approach targets universal sequences found in gene knockout collections, enabling rapid single nucleotide editing and generating chromosomal mutant collections.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2018

Genome surgery for eye disease moves closer to reality

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based treatment that can restore retinal function in mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease. The 'ablate-and-replace' strategy allows for the precise removal and replacement of the faulty gene, enabling faster and less expensive treatment options for dominant disorders.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 12, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Taking CRISPR from clipping scissors to word processor

Researchers developed MAGESTIC to refine gene-editing process, enhancing precision and increasing cell survival rates by sevenfold. The new platform enables precise editing of genetic variants, helping uncover impact on cellular function and disease susceptibility.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 7, 2018

CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, Stanford researchers report

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Researchers use CRISPR to edit DNA outside of the cell for the first time

Scientists at Christiana Care's Gene Editing Institute have developed a breakthrough CRISPR tool that can edit DNA in a test tube, allowing for precise genetic mutations to be replicated from human tumor samples. This technology has the potential to accelerate personalized cancer care by enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBurness·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 19, 2018

Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal publishes new research on cell-free CRISPR systems, which enable the study of gene editing mechanisms in a defined manner. Additionally, a universal CRISPR activity model called TUSCAN has been developed to predict CRISPR-Cas9 activity and genome-wide screening tasks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 19, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New bioinformatics tool identifies and classifies CRISPR-Cas systems

A new bioinformatics tool, CRISPRdisco, has been developed to identify and classify CRISPR-Cas systems in genome assemblies. The software detects CRISPR repeats and accurately assigns class, type, and subtypes, enabling researchers to distinguish between complete and incomplete CRISPR systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 11, 2018

Scientists tweak CRISPR to speed up genomic editing

Scientists have developed a new CRISPR method to analyze the effects of thousands of gene edits in parallel, improving their ability to identify harmful genetic changes. This technique enables researchers to rapidly distinguish between damaging and harmless edits, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 9, 2018

Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal has published new research on gene editing regulations, introducing potential global implications for food animal production. A bioinformatic pipeline, dubbed CRISPRdisco, has been developed to help researchers identify and characterize CRISPR repeats and genes encoding Cas nucleases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 9, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Gene editing regulations threaten sustainability of global food animal supply

New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

CRISPR genetic editing takes another big step forward, targeting RNA

Salk Institute scientists have developed a CRISPR-based tool called CasRx that targets RNA to correct protein imbalances in cells from dementia patients. The tool showed 80% effectiveness in rebalancing tau protein levels, opening up new avenues for treating RNA and protein-related diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 15, 2018

Newly discovered CRISPR mechanism may help prevent dangerous errors

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new CRISPR mechanism that can help prevent gene-editing errors. The discovery reveals how the Cas9 enzyme determines where and when to cut DNA strands, allowing for more precise control over gene editing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 28, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

CRISPR-based technology can detect viral DNA

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based method, DETECTR, to detect viral DNA, including cancer-causing HPV types. The system uses a molecular flare gun to identify specific DNA targets, enabling fast and reliable medical tests with minimal equipment requirements.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 15, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New CRISPR method efficiently corrects DMD defect in heart tissue

Scientists developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that can correct most DMD mutations by making a single cut at strategic points along the patient's DNA. The new strategy enhances genome editing accuracy and offers an efficient alternative to individualized molecular treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 6, 2018

Researchers create first stem cells using CRISPR genome activation

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells using CRISPR technology, simplifying a key step in the process. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for treating currently incurable conditions and studying diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 18, 2018

Company-sponsored CRISPR clinical trials set to start in 2018

Three companies - Crispr Therapeutics, Intellia Therapeutics, and Editas Medicine - are launching clinical trials using CRISPR to boost healthy hemoglobin levels in patients with blood diseases. Researchers are also conducting extensive computer predictions and in vitro tests to minimize the risk of accidents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 10, 2018

World's smallest tape recorder is built from microbes

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a microscopic data recorder using CRISPR-Cas technology, allowing bacteria to monitor their surroundings and record temporal changes. The system has proven its ability to handle multiple signals and record for days.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Revolutionary imaging technique uses CRISPR to map DNA mutations

A new nanomapping technology combines high-speed atomic force microscopy with a CRISPR-based chemical barcoding technique to map DNA nearly as accurately as DNA sequencing. The technology can process large sections of the genome at a much faster rate, using parts found in DVD players.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

Making mosquitoes self-destruct

Researchers at UCR have developed transgenic mosquitoes stably expressing the Cas9 enzyme, enabling efficient genome editing to disrupt genes controlling vision, flight, and feeding. The long-term goal is to use these mosquitoes with gene drives to insert genes that suppress disease-spreading insects.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2017

CRISPR-carrying nanoparticles edit the genome

Researchers at MIT have created a new delivery system for the CRISPR genome-editing system, using nanoparticles to target and delete disease-causing genes. The technique achieved an 80% success rate in deleting the Pcsk9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, resulting in a 35% drop in total cholesterol levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 13, 2017

New frontiers for CRISPR: Editing RNA

Scientists have developed a new CRISPR RNA editing tool called REPAIR, which can target and edit RNA with high efficiency and specificity. This tool allows for the correction of mutations in different time windows, including during key developmental periods, and may have disease-modifying potential.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 25, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Need for speed makes genome editing efficient, if not better

Researchers created a computational model to improve the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing by allowing off-target cuts, which may help on-target cutting be faster. The model suggests that proteins can correct mistakes and tolerate minor mutations, potentially leading to more precise gene editing.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 17, 2017

'CRISPR-Gold' fixes Duchenne muscular dystrophy mutation in mice

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR delivery system, CRISPR-Gold, that can repair the mutation causing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The system achieves an 18-times-higher correction rate and improves muscle strength and agility in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 3, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Blunting CRISPR's 'scissors' gives new insight into autoimmune disorders

A research team has developed a method using modified CRISPR to find gene activators associated with autoimmune disorders. By targeting specific regions of the genome, they identified fundamental circuitry of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease, providing new insights into their mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2017

eGenesis study addresses cross-species viral transmission concern in xenotransplantation published in Science

Researchers at eGenesis have successfully produced the first PERV-free piglets using CRISPR technology, addressing safety concerns in xenotransplantation. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of gene editing to prevent cross-species viral transmission and pave the way for safe human transplantable cells, tissues, and organs.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants

Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

Researchers discover how CRISPR proteins find their target

Researchers discovered how Cas1-Cas2 proteins insert viral DNA into CRISPR region by relying on flexible Cas1 protein, IHF binding, and DNA bending, allowing proper storage of 'memories' of prior viral infections. This finding opens doors for modification of the proteins to redirect them to other sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Taking cells out to the movies with new CRISPR technology

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to store digital information in living cells, which can be used to record complex biological events and propagate information over time. The system encodes complex data, such as images and videos, into the genomes of bacteria, allowing for reconstruction of the original information.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

Nicking in new nucleotides

A Kyoto University team developed a genome-wide base-editing technology using the CRISPR Nickase system, which reduces inaccurate edits and improves editing accuracy. The system combines a guide RNA and Cas9 nickase to 'nick' the DNA double helix, resulting in faster generation of yeast mutants and increased precision.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 4, 2017

Bringing CRISPR into focus

Researchers describe for the first time the exact chain of events as the CRISPR complex loads target DNA and prepares it for cutting by the Cas3 enzyme. The study reveals a molecular redundancy that prevents unintended genomic damage, providing insights into ways to improve CRISPR-Cas systems for precision gene editing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New technique enables safer gene-editing therapy using CRISPR

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique that can spot editing mistakes made by CRISPR, allowing for more precise gene therapies. The method involves rapidly testing a CRISPR molecule across a person's entire genome to foresee potential interactions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

First CRISPR crop could debut in 2020

The first commercial CRISPR product is expected to debut in 2020: a waxy corn used for paper glue and food thickeners. Researchers can use CRISPR to identify genes in crops that may be good candidates for editing, potentially leading to improved cotton quality, non-browning mushrooms, drought-resistant corn, and grocery store tomatoes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 14, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

CRISPR gene editing can cause hundreds of unintended mutations

A new study found that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can cause hundreds of unintended mutations, including single nucleotide changes and deletions in non-coding regions. The researchers emphasize the importance of using whole genome sequencing to detect off-target effects and encourage others to use this method for safer editing.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 29, 2017

A protein, a 'molecular staple' and CRISPR to develop an Ewing sarcoma model

Researchers create a cellular model of Ewing sarcoma in human stem cells using CRISPR technology, enabling the study of mechanisms underlying the disease. The technique improves upon previous methods, increasing success rates by up to seven-fold and opening new avenues for cancer research and potential treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 10, 2017

Pac-Man-like CRISPR enzymes have potential for disease diagnostics

Researchers have developed a new class of CRISPR enzymes that can detect specific sequences of RNA, including those from viruses. These enzymes, variants of Cas13a, target different RNA nucleotides, allowing for simultaneous viral diagnostics and potentially expanding the range of diseases they can detect.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 4, 2017

Researchers create red-eyed mutant wasps

Scientists at UC Riverside's Akbari lab have successfully created a strain of red-eyed mutant wasps using CRISPR gene-slicing technology. The goal is to better understand the biology of wasps and other insects to control pests that destroy crops or spread diseases like malaria.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Scientists unveil CRISPR-based diagnostic platform

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diagnostic tool using RNA-targeting CRISPR enzyme for detecting diseases such as Zika virus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new system, called SHERLOCK, can detect single molecules of target RNA or DNA, enabling rapid and affordable diagnosis.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 2017

UVA finds way to view genes inside living cells

Scientists have developed a way to track genes inside living cells, mapping their positions in three dimensions. This approach could lead to a better understanding of gene interactions and their effects on health, potentially leading to new treatments and cures for cancer and other genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2017

A molecular on/off switch for CRISPR

Researchers have discovered how viruses disable CRISPR-Cas systems, a sophisticated defense mechanism against bacterial infections. Anti-CRISPR proteins lock down the system's ability to identify and attack viral DNA, making them 'exceptionally clever' evolutionary tools.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 28, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NIH scientists deploy CRISPR to preserve photoreceptors in mice

Researchers at the National Eye Institute used CRISPR to rescue photoreceptors in mice, preserving daylight and color vision. The approach could lead to novel therapies for preventing vision loss from human diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2017

A new tool for genetically engineering the oldest branch of life

A new study successfully uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the genome of Methanosarcina acetivorans, an archaeal species, for the first time. This breakthrough enables accelerated studies on these organisms, with implications for understanding global climate change and the global carbon cycle.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genome editing: Pressing the delete button on DNA

Researchers have developed a new tool called CRISPETa, which allows for easy and efficient DNA deletion using CRISPR-Cas9. The software can design optimised pairs of sgRNAs for deleting specific regions of non-coding DNA.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

Rice U. study probes microbe, virus co-evolution

A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.

SourceRice University·JournalInterface·DateFeb 21, 2017

The licensing landscape of CRISPR technologies, and its implications

The use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology is restricted due to competing claims over foundational patent rights. Exclusive licenses granted to spinoff companies formed by institutions and researchers could bottleneck the development of human therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017

What's holding up CRISPR-based cures

Despite breakthroughs in CRISPR technology, delivering the gene-editing tool directly into patients remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring multiple approaches to overcome the issue, and despite hurdles, the potential payoff is significant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 15, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Overcoming hurdles in CRISPR gene editing to improve treatment

Researchers at UMass Amherst have designed a novel nanoparticle-based delivery system to enhance CRISPR/Cas9's treatment potential for genetic diseases. The new delivery method achieved an editing efficiency of about 30 percent in cultured cells, with successful nuclear delivery in approximately 90 percent of cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 7, 2017

Using Big Data to understand immune system responses

Researchers using big data and CRISPR analyze the immune system's minute-by-minute response to viruses, revealing a step-by-step reaction. This approach provides crucial insights into how the body fights off infections.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateJan 25, 2017