The groundbreaking discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 in 2012 by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier revolutionized genetic science, offering new hope for curing diseases once deemed untreatable.
CRISPR, short for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats," might sound technical to the average person, but its significance lies in its ability to precisely edit genetic material. This powerful tool has opened the door to correcting genetic mutations and improving countless medical conditions.
Gallery of Stock CRISPR Images
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CRISPR-based advancements played a crucial role in the rapid development of vaccines, showcasing its potential beyond traditional applications. Recently, CRISPR technology has enabled a cure for sickle cell disease through gene therapy, marking a milestone in medicine.
The future of CRISPR holds even greater promise, with potential treatments for genetic disorders like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, and fragile X syndrome. Furthermore, researchers are exploring CRISPR's potential in combating various cancers, including brain, colorectal, renal, liver, and bladder cancers.
This revolutionary technology continues to transform the landscape of medicine, offering hope to millions worldwide.
CRISPR
A conceptual illustration of the CRISPR gene editing tool. Sickle-shaped blood cells above it and normal blood cells below it. © Monica Schroeder / Science Source
Cystic Fibrosis
Annual medical review of a 22-year-old woman suffering from mucoviscidosis. Here, she is breathing into a spirometer. © Burger / Phanie / Science Source
Huntington’s Disease
Caudate nuclei are highlighted in the human brain and a close-up view of its neurons, illustration. The caudate nucleus is a component of the basal ganglia. It is associated with motor processes and plays a role in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. © Kateryna Kon / Science Source
Alzheimers
Illustration comparing a normal brain (left) with a brain suffering from Alzheimer's disease (right). © Monica Schroeder / Science Source
Cancer attacked by Killer Cells
Cancer attacked by killer cells. Colored Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of two human natural killer (NK) cells attacking a cancer cell. The NK cells are yellow with numerous long fluid projections which are beginning to flow around the red cancer cell. Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cell known as T-lymphocytes. © Eye of Science / Science Source
Micrograph of Sickle Cells & Normal Blood Cells
Sickle cells, crescent-shaped erythrocytes (red blood cells) that result from a change in the amino acid sequence of the cells' hemoglobin. These cells are most likely to sickle under low-oxygen conditions. © Eye of Science / Science Source