The Nobel Laureates have discovered one of gene technology’s sharpest tools, called the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. ‘Using these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences.’

   In short, it has enabled us to rediscover ourselves, especially our capacity to correct genetic defects and regenerate wornout parts. The origin of their research and its subsequent applications as well as the challenges it poses make fascinating reading.

    The technique, hailed as the greatest biological breakthrough since the discovery of the double helix by Watson and Crick, could be traced to an unexpected source: yoghurt! Research has now shown that it is the result of bacterial immune system that defends itself against virus. In a seemingly unrelated discovery in 1987, scientists at the University....