CRISPR is a revolutionary technology that allows scientists to edit genes with precision. It stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats" and was originally discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against viruses. By using a guide RNA, CRISPR can target specific DNA sequences, enabling researchers to add, remove, or alter genetic material.
This powerful tool has numerous applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. For instance, CRISPR is being explored for potential treatments of genetic disorders, improving crop resilience, and even combating diseases like HIV. Its ability to make precise changes to DNA has opened new avenues for scientific research and innovation.