CRISPR picture

In the firstof a two-part series, Daniel Lim examines the gene-editing tool CRISPR, highlighting developments and trends to look out for in this exciting technology

Daniel Lim, Kirkland & Ellis

Since the discovery of CRISPR, the pace ofdevelopments regarding the technology has been remarkable on all fronts.Perhaps no other biotechnological invention has offered so much promise,sparked such great hopes and fears (in equal measure), changed research practice soquickly, captured the imagination of the public at large, and given rise tosuch legal and ethical controversy so early in its infancy. Then again, perhapsas much is to be expected when the technology in question has the potential tochange the very meaning of what it is to be human.