Researchers from Harvard University have announced plans to a trial a new CRISPR-based gene editing therapy in an attempt to establish whether the technology can be used to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in IVF babies. The experiment won't involve live embryos but will instead examine the possibility of changing the DNA code in sperm cells. In order for this technique to work, scientists would need to use it on human embryos, which are not yet available for research.
Researchers from Harvard University have announced plans to a trial a new CRISPR-based gene editing therapy in an attempt to establish whether the technology can be used to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in IVF babies. The experiment won't involve live embryos but will instead examine the possibility of changing the DNA code in sperm cells. The news follows the highly controversial announcement by Chinese scientist He Jiankui that he had successfully used CRISPR technology to reduce the risk of HIV in twin baby girls.