CRISPR-Cas9 is being used in clinical trials

​​ CRISPR-Cas9 has been implemented in a human clinical trial for the first time to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In a phase 1 trial, the gene editing technology is tested on individuals with lipid disorders to reduce and maintain lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a safe manner. Those with the disorder that does not respond to medication were tested over a 60 day period in which their LDL and triglyceride levels were reduced by 50% within two weeks and were maintained over the 60 days. With no adverse effects related to the treatment and lasting maintenance of lower lipid levels, the trial has been considered a success.

Increased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels may lead to a heart attack or stroke over time and it is important to monitor those elevated counts. Those with lipid disorders are exposed to increased risk for cardiovascular issues. The efficiency and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 in this clinical trial shows potential for further development in various avenues of human health. While CRISPR is still an emerging technology that is used experimentally, the initial results of its implementation have been promising. Although the gene editing tool is shrouded in ethical concern, its therapeutic ability provides a new window of potential applications. 

Source:

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2025/11/08/cleveland-clinic-first-in-human-trial-of-crispr-gene-editing-therapy-shown-to-safely-lower-cholesterol-and-triglycerides

Additional Link:

https://crisprtx.com/gene-editing

Malnutrition Exacerbates Diabetes Cases in Cameroon

Early-life malnutrition can cause long-term changes in gene expression.

Figure 1: Patients in Cameroon typically fail to follow through with their diabetes treatments, as treatment options are not affordable.

    Type 5 Diabetes has recently emerged as a new form of diabetes from chronic malnutrition in fetal development or early childhood. Long-term malnutrition impairs pancreatic development and the pancreas's ability to produce insulin. This divergence is not caused by a mutation in the genome but rather by epigenetic changes, or changes in gene expression, that limit insulin production and the body's ability to regulate blood sugar.

    In Cameroon, chronic undernutrition is more common in rural and low-income areas. Doctors in Cameroon began to notice something unusual with their diabetes patients: they have no autoimmune deficiencies, no obesity, and they are often young and thin. This lead researchers to identify a divergent form of diabetes, known as Type 5.

    Properly treating diabetes in low-income countries has proven to be impossible with a month's wages covering one month of insulin for adult patients. International healthcare funding is geared toward communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, and malaria. This leaves individuals with non-communicable diseases with less funding and no infrastructural support to afford care.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/23/health/diabetes-africa-cameroon-type-5.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224508/

Gene Editing: How it changes our Food Supply

Gene engineering has been booming as a powerful tool in the agricultural field. It helps meet the global demand for food as production needs continue to grow. Gene editing techniques such as CRISPR make precise changes to an organism’s existing DNA without adding outside genetic material. This allows scientists to develop crops that are more nutritious and sustainable. In agriculture, crops have been improved to resist drought conditions and pests while also enhancing their nutritional value through gene editing. It has also been used to develop livestock with disease resistance, heat tolerance, and traits that improve animal welfare, such as naturally hornless cattle. First, Scientist choose gene linked to a trait they want to edit such as like drought tolerance, or nutrient content. Next, they will create a guide RNA that matches the specific DNA sequence in that gene, this will bring CRISPR to the exact spot in the DNA. Next, the enzyme Cas9, cuts the DNA at that specific location. Once cut, Scientist can either disable a gene, slightly change the gene, or insert a small piece of DNA.

 However, gene engineering is regulated differently around the world. For example, the United States focuses on the final product, whereas the European Union regulates based on the process, which leads to different rules and safety precautions. Despite its benefits, gene editing may potentially impact ecosystems and raises unanswered questions about the welfare of animals modified for production.

Link: Gene Editing in Agriculture: How It Changes Our Food Supply - Biology Insights

Extra Link : CRISPR in Agriculture - Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI)

Understanding The Ethics and Rise of Designer “Babies”

 

    The Harvard Petrie-Flom Center recently discussed a new and highly controversial idea in genetics which is polygenic embryo screening. This topic revolves around new technology that allows scientists to analyze embryos created through IVF and estimate their chances of developing certain diseases or even traits like height or intelligence.

  

  The topic of Polygenic embryo screening works by examining many genes at once to predict risks for complex conditions such as diabetes, schizophrenia, or heart disease. The difference between these screenings and traditional genetic testing, is that this method looks at how multiple genes interact. While there are many health benefits to these screenings there are biomedical ethics concerns.

    The term “designer babies” has been coined as this idea is becoming more widely known. The technology could easily be misused to select embryos based on preferred traits like intelligence or athletic ability. Additionally, the technology is very expensive and not covered by insurances, which would give wealthier individuals these resources creating inequity and more financial gaps in the population.

    This article emphasizes the correlation between technology and genetics, which is the first time the two have been this intercrossed since the discovery of genetics. While polygenic embryo screening has the potential to reduce disease, it also raises complex ethical, social, and legal questions.

Tags: #Genetics #DesignerBabies #Bioethics #Technology

Sources: 

https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2024/03/11/designer-babies-the-ethical-and-regulatory-implications-of-polygenic-embryo-screening/

https://www.thehastingscenter.org/polygenic-embryo-screening-ethical-and-legal-considerations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Cloning Your Pet?

    

    Numerous celebrities have cloned their deceased pets with biotechnology companies. For $50,000, these companies will insert the DNA of the desired animal into donor egg cells and create a genetically identical pet. As we know, a genome only accounts for a fraction of what makes an individual, along with the environment and other outside factors. While these companies promise a genetic twin, the pet will not be a true clone with potential differences in temperament and personality. By employing genetic engineering, the biotech company Collasal Biosciences, which has termed itself a ‘de-extinction’ company, has concentrated its efforts on diversifying the gene pool of endangered species in the hopes of bringing species out of extinction. 

Cloning pets maintains a degree of controversy including ethical and social concerns. There are a variety of businesses that capitalize off of the technique, including Viagen, which has claimed to clone more animals than any other company. However, concentrating the technology into preserving endangered species provides a novel approach to conserving a range of ecosystems. While cloning is trivial, different applications provide the opportunity for growth, preservation, and maintenance of our environment. The article raises relevant questions about the implications of cloning genes in society and what it means for the future of genetic engineering. 

Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/07/1127692/cloning-celebrity-pets-tom-brady-dog-conservation/

Additional Link:

https://viagenpets.com/dog-cloning/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23100856057

DNA decides how well weight loss drugs work

 DNA decides how well weight loss drugs work

An article published by Nature explains how well drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide work. These medications are very popular and are used by many people for weight loss. The study looked at about 27,885 people and focused on the GLP-1 receptor. Researchers found that some people experienced significant weight loss, while others saw little to no results. This shows that genetic differences can affect how effective these drugs are.

The study also found that genetics can influence side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. However, genetics is not the only factor, like age, sex, and the type of medication can also affect how well the drug works. This research is important because it shows that not every medication works the same for everyone. In the future, this could help doctors decide which medications are best for each person. The study shows that genes not only affect how we look, but also how our bodies respond to medications.

Links 

Su, Q. J., Ashenhurst, J. R., Xu, W., Tran, V., Ryanne Wu, R., Weldon, C. H., Shi, J., Hicks, B., Bell, R. K., Bond, K. K., Cochinwala, Z., Das, S., de Brito, K., Dhamija, D., Dibaeinia, P., DelloRusso, E., Eijsbouts, C., Elson, S. L., Fuller, S., & German, C. (2026). Genetic predictors of GLP1 receptor agonist weight loss and side effects. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10330-z

Youmshajekian, L. (2026, April 8). How well GLP-1 weight loss drugs work may depend on your genetics. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-well-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-work-may-depend-on-your-genetics/

A Genetic Mutation and Its Role in Schizophrenia-Related Cognitive Impairment

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that hinders an individual’s ability to think, behave, and feel. One of the symptoms of this disorder is difficulty incorporating new information about the world, leading individuals with schizophrenia to lose touch with reality. 

MIT neuroscientists have identified a genetic mutation in the grin2a gene that may contribute to this symptom. This mutation was originally identified in a large-scale screen of patients with schizophrenia. Researchers studied mice with this mutation and found that they had difficulty adapting their decisions when situations changed, meaning they struggled to update their understanding based on new input, mirroring what happens in people with schizophrenia. 

The study concluded that this issue is linked to a malfunction in a brain circuit between the thalamus and prefrontal cortex. Scientists were able to restore normal behavior in the mice by stimulating this circuit, suggesting that targeting it with drugs could help treat cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in the future.

What I found especially interesting is that the study does not claim this mutation directly causes schizophrenia, but instead contributes to one of its key cognitive symptoms. This reinforces the idea that schizophrenia is a complex disorder influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, rather than a single cause. It also shows how scientists are beginning to break down mental illnesses into specific biological mechanisms, which could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Article: https://news.mit.edu/2026/brain-circuit-incorporates-new-information-may-be-linked-schizophrenia-0318

Additional website: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042740.htm

Is eye color determined by genetics?

 Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the iris, with more melanin leading to brown eyes and less resulting in blue or lighter colors. According to MedlinePlus, eye color is controlled by multiple genes, not just one, making inheritance more complex than simple dominant and recessive patterns. This is why eye color can vary widely, even within the same family.

link : https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/eyecolor/