The Most Incredible Science Events Of 2016

First Human Trials Of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

A recurring theme throughout science fiction is the attempt to change or alter mankind’s genetic structure in order to create new and improved versions of Homo sapiens. This feat, however, has been impossible due to the destructive effects of tampering with human genes - until 2016, that is. In 2016, a team of Chinese researchers announced the first human trials of a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9. This technique works by using a genetically-modified bacterial DNA which can essentially cut and paste specific sections of an organism’s genome. The Chinese team is testing CRISPR-Cas9 in an attempt to alter a cancer patient’s genome-specific immune response. If the trials are successful, it could potentially lead to the eradication of dozens of genetically-encoded diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.