The potent gene-editing method called CRISPR/Cas9 is now able to work on so-called germline cells, which are significant but incredibly fragile plants, animals, and human cells whose genetic makeup consists of a mixture of all their generations' worth of DNA. The novel method focuses on certain genes' RNA-based expression within germ cells. According to research that was just published in the journal Molecular Cell, this molecular "CRISPR-on-a-chip" assay may even be effective against the relatively ancient retroviruses that cause cystic fibrosis in certain individuals.

It should be made clear that this is not a method for attempting to treat hereditary illnesses, but it is still an exciting development.