chapter 1: needle in a haystack

• sickle cell anemia
• solution for genetic diseases
• inserting the missing genes into chromosomes

chapter 2: CRISPR

• the discovery
• How are bacteria able to defend themselves against viruses? (e.g bacteriophages)
• What happens when the virus shows back up?

chapter 3: the gene machine

• CRISPR is a combination of the CAS9 nuclease (cutting enzyme) and the guide RNA
• Up to 80% correction in cells
• Can be used to treat cancer, sickle-cell anemia, muscular dystrophy
• Syntheso is an RNA synthesis factory that sells DIY CRISPR kits
• Transplantation of organs from one species to another are possible through CRISPR
  • CRISPR can engineer immunocompatability through organ transplant, reducing chance of rejection
  • CRISPR can find, then change many DNA sequences

chapter 4: brave new world

• Boy in Pakistan who felt no pain due to a mutation in the SCN9A gene
• CCR5 is a receptor that if you don't have it, you cannot be infected with HIV
  • Scientists in China tried genetic engineering on human embryos
• The change in the genetic sequence will not be passed along to the offspring unless it is in the germ line cells
• should we be doing this?
• designer babies