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Discover how it works in bacterial cells and how it can be applied to other forms of life—including humans.

CRISPR is part of bacteria's natural defense against viruses.

How CRISPR Works in Nature

With an extraordinary new technology called CRISPR, we can now edit DNA—including human DNA. But how far should we go? Gene-editing promises to eliminate certain genetic disorders like sickle cell disease. But the applications quickly raise ethical questions. Is it wrong to engineer soldiers to feel no pain, or to resurrect an extinct species?

We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?

Human Nature Sneak Peek

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Human Nature

Bacteria use CRISPR to defend themselves from viruses. Here's how researchers have used it to benefit yogurt cultures since 2007.

Five years before anybody was talking about CRISPR, Danisco had a breakthrough.

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

"Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

Human Nature Preview

Scientists are beginning to use CRISPR gene-editing technology to treat diseases and alter the human genome. But as research advances, the ethical dilemmas multiply. Which illnesses—and traits—should be eliminated from the human experience?

CRISPR gene-editing technology is advancing quickly. What can it do now—and in the future?

CRISPR Gene-Editing Reality Check

Gene-edited babies could be free of sickle cell anemia. David Sanchez, a teen with the disease, shares his thoughts on living with sickle cell—and a possible future without it.

Sickle Cell Anemia is caused by a single change in the DNA sequence.

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

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With an extraordinary new technology called CRISPR, we can now edit DNA—including human DNA. But how far should we go? Gene editing promises to eliminate certain genetic disorders like sickle cell disease. But the applications quickly raise ethical questions. Is it wrong to engineer soldiers to feel no pain, or to resurrect an extinct species? And is there harm in allowing parents to choose their child’s features, like eye color or height? The scientists who pioneered human genome studies and CRISPR grapple with these questions. (Premiered September 9, 2020)

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Children's Hospital Boston

We can now edit the human genome with a tool called CRISPR. But how far should we go?

Body & Brain

Colossal explosions shake a remote corner of the Siberian tundra, leaving behind massive craters. In Alaska, a huge lake erupts with bubbles of inflammable gas. Scientists are discovering that these mystifying phenomena add up to a ticking time bomb, as long-frozen permafrost melts and releases vast amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. What are the implications of these dramatic developments in the Arctic? Scientists and local communities alike are struggling to grasp the scale of the methane threat and what it means for our climate future. (Premiered February 2, 2022)

In the Arctic, enormous releases of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, threaten the climate.

Arctic Sinkholes

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A composite image of Jupiter using images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Jupiter ERS Team; image processing by Judy Schmidt.

Explore the cosmos, delve into ancient history, and follow an extreme rescue with NOVA’s most-watched documentaries released in 2022.

NOVA’s most popular science documentaries of 2022

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A transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles (orange) replicating from the plasma membrane of an infected H9 T cell. Credit: NIAID, Flickr

Scientists have cured a handful of people of HIV by piggybacking on treatments they received for blood cancer. But does that bring a widespread cure any closer?

Human Nature

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An Indigenous bioethicist on CRISPR and decolonizing DNA

First CRISPR-Edited Cells Tested in Lung Cancer Patient

Scientists Use CRISPR to Grow Human Organs Inside of Pigs

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

What Is CRISPR Gene Editing?

New Video Shows CRISPR Cutting DNA in Two

How CRISPR Works in Nature

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

Human Nature

How CRISPR is Spreading Through the Animal Kingdom

Scientists Condemn Researcher's Use of CRISPR to Produce HIV-Resistant Babies

Scientists retract study linking CRISPR baby mutation to early death

Cure or Carcinogen? CRISPR-Cas9 May Cause Cancer

How Does CRISPR Work?

CRISPR and Stem Cells Could Speed Studies of Rare Diseases

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An Indigenous bioethicist on CRISPR and decolonizing DNA

First CRISPR-Edited Cells Tested in Lung Cancer Patient

Scientists Use CRISPR to Grow Human Organs Inside of Pigs

Living with Sickle Cell Anemia

What Is CRISPR Gene Editing?

New Video Shows CRISPR Cutting DNA in Two

How CRISPR Works in Nature

The "Holy Grail of Yogurt" is CRISPR

Human Nature

How CRISPR is Spreading Through the Animal Kingdom

Scientists Condemn Researcher's Use of CRISPR to Produce HIV-Resistant Babies

Scientists retract study linking CRISPR baby mutation to early death

Cure or Carcinogen? CRISPR-Cas9 May Cause Cancer

How Does CRISPR Work?

CRISPR and Stem Cells Could Speed Studies of Rare Diseases