Explore this dynamic app to learn the basic principles of how this revolutionary tool works and the many ways in which scientists are using it in their research.

Since it was first described in 2012, CRISPR-Cas9 (often shortened to “CRISPR”) has generated much interest both for its exciting potential for treating genetic disease and potential ethical and safety concerns, such as by creating “designer babies” or “superhumans.” So far, CRISPR-based technologies are having the biggest impact in research laboratories where they are applied to a broad range of biological studies. These technologies are relatively cheap, easy to use, and allow researchers to ask new questions and get results faster than previously possible.

The CRISPR-Cas9: Mechanism & Applications interactive allows students to explore and learn about a biotechnology tool that is at the forefront of scientific research and hear directly from leading researchers about how they use CRISPR. It consists of a self-paced interactive animation and a series of short videos of different scientists who are using CRISPR-Cas9 technologies for basic research, medical, and agricultural applications.