2 women scientists win Nobel in chemistry for genome editing

Two women scientists have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the tools to edit DNA the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on WednesdayEmmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna are the first two women to share the prize first time without a male collaborator for their discovery known as CrisprCas9 genetic scissorsThe winners will share the prize money of 10 million krona 1110400Researchers need to modify genes in cells if they are to find out about lifes inner workings This used to be timeconsuming difficult and sometimes impossible workUsing the CRISPRCas9 genetic scissors it is now possible to change the code of life over the course of a few weeksThere is enormous power in this genetic tool which affects us all It has not only revolutionised basic science but also resulted in innovative crops and will lead to groundbreaking new medical treatments said Claes Gustafsson chair of the Nobel Committee for ChemistryUsing the CRISPRCas9 genetic scissors researchers can change the DNA of animals plants and microorganisms with extremely high precisionThis technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come trueThis technology has revolutionised the molecular life sciences brought new opportunities for plant breeding is contributing to innovative cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come trueWhen Charpentier from the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens in Berlin and Doudna from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley started investigating the immune system of a Streptococcus bacterium one idea was that they could perhaps develop a new form of antibioticInstead they discovered a molecular tool that can be used to make precise incisions in genetic material making it possible to easily change the code of lifeJust eight years after their discovery these genetic scissors have reshaped the life sciencesBiochemists and cell biologists can now easily investigate the functions of different genes and their possible role in the progression of diseaseIn plant breeding researchers can give plants specific characteristics such as the ability to withstand drought in a warmer climateIn medicine this gene editor is contributing to new cancer therapies and the first studies attempting to cure inherited diseasesThere are almost endless examples of how CRISPRCas9 could be used which also include unethical applications As with all powerful technology these genetic scissors need to be regulated said the Royal Swedish Academy of SciencesCharpentier published her discovery in 2011 The same year she initiated a collaboration with Doudna an experienced biochemist with vast knowledge of RNATogether they succeeded in recreating the bacterias genetic scissors in a test tube and simplifying the scissors molecular components so they were easier to useIn an epochmaking experiment they then reprogrammed the genetic scissorsIn their natural form the scissors recognise DNA from viruses but Charpentier and Doudna proved that they could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined siteWhere the DNA is cut it is then easy to rewrite the code of lifeIn medicine clinical trials of new cancer therapies are underway and the dream of being able to cure inherited diseases is about to come true These genetic scissors have taken the life sciences into a new epoch and in many ways are bringing the greatest benefit to humankind the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences stressedKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever