This Gulp of Engineered Bacteria Is Meant to Treat Disease
A small study of people with a rare disorder that prevents them from processing protein is an early attempt at creating “living” medicines.
The Sci-Fi Dream of a ‘Molecular Computer’ Is Getting More Real
Chemists have long conceptualized tiny machines that could fabricate drugs, plastics, and other polymers that are hard to build with bigger tools.
Could Crispr Flip the Switch on Insecticide Resistance?
Many insects, like the mosquitoes that spread malaria, have evolved a tolerance to chemical sprays. What if we could reboot their genes?
A New Way to Restore Hand Mobility—With an Electrified Patch
In a clinical trial, wearing a small stimulator on their necks helped people with quadriplegia build back movement they had lost years ago.
In Embryos, Crispr Can Cut Out Whole Chromosomes—That’s Bad
The DNA-cutting tool has been hailed as a way to fix genetic glitches. But a new study suggests it can remove more than scientists bargained for.
Can a Genetically Modified Bug Combat a Global Farm Plague?
Biotech company Oxitec has created a caterpillar with self-destructing eggs in an attempt to curb agricultural damage. But will other pests simply move in?