Soofia

The article explores the transformative rise of CRISPR‑Cas9 a gene‑editing tool derived from bacterial defense mechanisms. It explains how CRISPR works—using a guide RNA and Cas9 enzyme to cut DNA at precise locations, enabling edits through natural repair processes. Key applications highlighted: - Medicine: Clinical trials for sickle‑cell disease and other genetic disorders. - Agriculture: Drought‑resistant and disease‑free crops (e.g., powdery‑mildew‑resistant tomatoes). - Conservation: De‑extinction projects (woolly mammoth) and gene‑drive controls. The piece also outlines challenges off‑target effects, ethical debates around germline editing, and equity concerns while noting emerging technologies like CRISPR‑Cas12, base editing, and prime editing that promise higher safety and precision. It concludes that CRISPR holds immense potential but requires careful regulation and global dialogue to balance benefit and risk.