Scientists Modify Viruses With CRISPR To Create New Weapon Against Superbugs

[jpak]

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/05/22/723582726/scientists-modify-viruses-with-crispr-to-create-new-weapon-against-superbugs

Alphonso Evans rolls his wheelchair into a weight machine in the gym at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Ga.

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The approach, developed by Locus Biosciences of Morrisville, N.C., involves viruses known as bacteriophages (called phages for short). Phages are the natural enemies of bacteria. They can infect and destroy bacteria by reproducing in large numbers inside them until the microbes literally explode.

Locus scientists have created a cocktail of three phages that have been modified using CRISPR, which was discovered by studying the immune systems of bacteria.

"What we've learned how to do is reprogram that immune system to attack itself," says Paul Garofolo, the company's CEO. "We load the viruses up with CRISPR constructs, which essentially work like little Pac-Men. They go into a target bacteria cell, and they chew up the DNA of that target. It makes them much more potent killers."

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[zipplewrath]

1. What can possibly go wrong?

Nanoprobes anyone?

[FakeNoose]

2. This is probably how the world ends

I've seen enough science fiction movies to know this plot. They start out great but never end well.

[Maru Kitteh]

3. Russia has been working on this since before penicillin.

Seriously.