Deafness prevented in mice for first time using gene editing
In a first, MIT and Harvard researchers have found that a single injection of a gene-editing substance prevented deafness in baby mice who inherited progressive hearing loss. Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, which acts as molecular scissors, snipping DNA to disable a target gene. After four weeks, treated mice could hear sounds about 15 decibels lower than untreated ones.