Nobel Prize in chemistry goes to 2 women for developing a method for genome editing
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to two researchers for a gene-editing tool that has revolutionized science by providing a way to alter DNA, the code of life.
The technology recognized in Wednesday’s award is already being used to try to cure a host of diseases and raise better crops and animals.
Emmanuelle Charpentier of France and Jennifer A. Doudna of the United States developed the tool called CRISPR-cas9 just eight years ago to cut genes at a specific spot.
It’s being tested for sickle cell disease, cancer and inherited forms of blindness.